"Rice,” the human drama of environmental devastation and resurrection told through the life cycle of the humble crop plant, will unfold across the U.S. as Taiwan's Cloud Gate Dance Theatre tours California, Texas, and Washington, D.C. from Jan. 22 through Feb. 13.
"Rice” was created in celebration of Cloud Gate's 40th anniversary in 2013. Choreographed by founder Lin Hwai-min (林懷民), the piece takes inspiration from Chihshang (池上), a rural township famous for rice production in eastern Taiwan. Lin asked his dancers to participate in the rice harvest and brought the experience on stage.
Combining Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and contemporary dance, the production opens with dancers weaving against a projected video footage of rice fields. Through the dynamic movement of its dancers, "Rice” presents the full scope of humanity, nature, and rebirth. It is Lin's tribute to the universal cycle of life and death.
Jan. 22 - 23 | University of California, Berkeley
Time: 8pm
Venue: Zellerbach Hall
Address: 101 Zellerach Hall, #4800, Berkeley, CA
Jan. 29 - 31 | The Music Center, Los Angeles
Time: 7.30pm (2pm on Jan. 31)
Venue: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Address: 1135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Feb. 2 | University of California, Santa Barbara
Time: 8pm
Venue: The Granada Theatre
Address: 1214 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Artist Conversation with Lin Hwai-min: Feb. 2 @ 4pm (free)