Under Siege, Yang Liping Contemporary Dance, Melbourne Festival, State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Saturday October 7th 2017

"Under Siege", Yang Liping Contemporary Dance, Melbourne Festival, State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Saturday October 7th 2017

"Under Siege" by the Yang Liping Contemporary Dance, was presented as part of the Melbourne Festival at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne on Saturday October 7th 2017

For those new to my blog I write about the holistic experience of attending the theatre. I buy my own tickets. So if you want a re-telling of the story please refer to the links for further information or for further insights.  Note, that I may provide different links for repeated main words or phrases.  I write for my memories of what I have seen, and it is more of a stream of consciousness.

"Under Siege" by the Yang Liping Contemporary Dance, was presented as part of the Melbourne Festival at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne on Saturday October 7th 2017

The programmes are extensive with biographies of the production and performers.  I requested my copy prior to entry from a helpful usher as it is so dark inside the State Theatre to try to read.  Thankfully I obtained a programme as it contained a lot of useful information about the show.  Pages 4-7 photographs contain visual spoiler alerts.  These two large photos take away the impact of the finale and destroy the magic of theatrical occasion.

Visual Direction, Costume and Set Designs are by Academy Award Winner Tim Yip who does not disappoint with spectacular visuals.  The ending is worth the long production.  The only flaw with the design was the black makeup for the "duplicity character" Han Xiu (Black) was coming off on the white costume of Han Xin (white).  Surely a black mask could suffice and be more functional.  The many rows of hanging scissors appeared to hover and threaten menacingly as we sat and waited for the show to begin.  The beams that the scissors hung from bent to create various curves as if smiling or frowning upon the action, and to frame the story.  Their presence was foreboding and slightly predictable.

Yang Liping choreographed "Under Siege"using a variety of styles drawn from contemporary dance and martial arts.  Yang Liping has no formal dance training and has a natural facility for such an artistic and complex craft.  I am in awe of Yang Liping's skill.

The solo by Hu Shenyuan as Yu Ji, the concubine was breathtakingly superb.  His arms were floating and created continuous movement that sliced the air with strength and purpose.  Hu Shenyuan's arabesque and other poses were exquisite.  It was an absolute joy to see Hu Shenyuan's dancing.

"Under Siege" was longer than the scheduled one and a half hours.  It was closer to two hours and became a bit tedious at times.  Thankfully the surtitles helped with the story - basically, from my understanding there was a war, two suicides, the beginning of the first emperor of the Han dynasty and the history of China.

"Under Siege" reminded me of the Cloud Gate Theatre production of "Legacy"  at the 1988 Melbourne Festival in the Playhouse Theatre where the audience jumped out of their seats screaming and cheering.  That show was electrifying and was one of the most genuine standing ovations that I have ever witnessed.  "Legacy" had a similar story to "Under Siege" and employed simple theatrical devices with red and white fabric that really moved the audience to tears.

The main difference is that I was not emotionally moved by "Under Siege".  I was captivated by the technology, the dance, the music and the fabulous sets, but I wanted to be transported emotionally.

The Paper Cutter, Wang Yan was mesmerising with her accuracy and skill in cutting out such complicated Chinese characters.

Many in the audience could not help themselves from taking photographs - so rude thrusting their cameras and phones above to block the view of other patrons.

"Under Siege" obtained an 8/10.