Cursive
is a deep expression of the art of Chinese calligraphy, told through
physical movement that finds its inspiration in the "focused energy"
which both dancer and writer harness in the practice of their craft.
Choreographer Lin Hwai-min describes how he trained the dancers to improvise
dance movements while facing images of calligraphy: "The dancers absorbed
the energy, or chi, of the writer and imitated the linear 'route' of
ink, full of lyrical flows and strong punctuations with rich variations
in energy. The exercise produced unimaginable motions, from subtle slow
motions to [...] attacks with powerful energy."
Employing a minimal style, Cursive attains the distinction
of being a beautifully balanced piece of dance choreography. The performance
is paced the way a calligraphic text would be, with ebbs and flows of
energy. The strikingly taut dancers of Taiwan's Cloud Gate Dance Theatre
move with an effortless naturalness, interweaving elements from taiji
and Chinese martial arts with western ballet styles. The moments of
vigorous energy are reminiscent of wushu displays, while the lyrical,
contemplative sections bring to mind modern expressionism.
The calligraphic themes employed in Cursive are carefully
explored through creative staging, which resists over-reliance on
literal interpretation. In most of the ten acts, Lin uses images of
calligraphic works projected onto screens on stage to form backdrops
or stage pieces. The dancers, dressed in simple black robes, dance
alongside the looming presence of the Chinese characters, to become
equal elements in a grand display of static and moving calligraphy.
Lin also plays with the concept of negative space in one breathtaking
act, where hundreds of white characters are projected against a dark
stage. Small groups of dancers, clad in nude costumes, move deliberately
amidst a veritable forest of calligraphy, and as they move slowly, their
backs also become screens on which the white characters are projected.
In the ninth act, the crystallisation of Lin's concept is masterfully
demonstrated. Dancer and rehearsal director Chou Chang-ning delivers
an inspired exploration of the essence of calligraphy, melding both
literal and figurative interpretations of the fluid energy in cursive
calligraphy. Dressed in flowing black robes with extra-long sleeves,
reminiscent of traditional Chinese opera garments, Chou becomes the
flowing jet black characters against the white screen that is projected
onstage, alternately impassioned and calm.
The strength of Cursive lies in Lin's daring concept, which
find the meeting point between two genres of artistic expression and
makes it real. Lin has illuminated the emphasis that the ancient art
of cursive calligraphy places on the process of creative expression,
so that the finished product can become highly abstracted and unrecognisable
from its non-cursive form. As with any other modernist concept that
values the artistic experience, Cursive becomes a powerful
vehicle for original expression. Under Lin's direction, the dynamism
of this expression is finely balanced with meditative thoughtfulness,
creating a beautifully nuanced poem of human motion. |
"The strength of Cursive lies in finding the meeting
point between two genres of artistic expression and making it real"
Credits
Founder and Artistic Director: Lin Hwai-min
Associate Artistic Director: Lee Ching-chun
Composer: Qu Xiao-song
Set & Image Design: Lin Keh-hua
Lighting Design: Chang Tsan-Tao
Costume Design: Lin Ching-ju
Dancers: Chou Chang-ning, Lee Ching-chun, Wang Wei-ming,
Chiu I-wen, Huang Pei-hua, Sung Chao-chiun, Yang I-chun, Tsai Ming-yuan,
Wang Chih-hao, Wen Ching-ching, Chou Wei-ping, Huang Hsu-hui, Lin Chia-liang,
Lin Tzu-chun, Su I-ping, Tsai Hui-chen, Tsao Kuei-hsing, Liu Hui-ling,
Shen Yi-wen, Wong Jyh-shyong, Wong Lap-cheong, Yu Chien-hung
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