About Rite of Spring
The notion of pagan ritual sacrifice
as set out in Stravinsky’s musical
narrative is reimagined through Asian
spiritual philosophies, symbols and
aesthetics.
Yang Liping’s choreographic narrative paints
a world where Yin and Yang principles of
male-female, animal-human and nature-spirit
dynamically interact to create a sense that life
and death are cyclical. Life is not temporary
but has a transient sense of permanence.
This radical retelling of The Rite of Spring has
the female sacrificial protagonist volunteering
her body for sacrifice as her earthbound duty
to her community, but with the knowledge her
spirit will return purified of the cruelties and
unpredictable nature of humankind.
A co-production with Sadler’s Wells London, China
Shanghai International Arts, Festival, Edinburgh
International Festival, DYRS Group, Brisbane Festival,
Stanford Live, Beijing Poly Theatre, Management Co. Ltd
and Forever Solo Arts.