Synopsis of Mirror of Life
Drawing upon observations of the annual ritual honoring the dead, Lin Lee-Chen merges Taoist temple rites, modern dance techniques, and cinematic visual design
to create this well-received full-length dance. Taking the theatre as a shrine, Miroirs de Vie metamorphoses from Jiao, a Taoist ritual to an artistic one, proceeding with twelve parts, each with its own motif, which together progress through the different steps of the dance.
Purification/ Illumination/ Evocation/ Oblation/ Preparation/ Recollection/ Mediation/ Agitation/ Possession/ Reflection/ Transmigration/ Extinction
The dance starts with a rite to purify the space, followed by the slow and solemn entrance of the spirits from the other world. The leading goddess reminiscent of Mazu, symbolically shepherds the souls to cross the straits. The stage represents a doorway connecting the two diametrically opposed worlds of yin and yang. A basin of water with towel and some face powder serve to purify the bride and her lost heart, and represent a warm welcome to the living world. The implication of water leads up to the first climax “recollection” and resonates throughout the play. As each looks in the mirror of life, his or her past is reflected momentarily, eliciting a variety of emotions and memories. Finally, lotus-shaped water lanterns symbolizing samsara, the eternal cycle of life-death-rebirth, guide the spirits to the last scene of complete extinction in which everything is burned to ashes. Through the artistic ceremony participated in by the dancers, returning spirits and audience members, with the help of the merciful chant of sutra, the wandering, homeless souls can find peace.
“No ignorance or ending of ignorance, up to no aging and death or ending of aging and death. There is no suffering, no cause, no extinction, and no path. There is no wisdom and no attainment. There is nothing to be attained. Away from fear and illusion, there is only release and nirvana.” - Prajna paramita hrdaya sutra
Legend Lin Dance Theatre
Legend Lin Dance Theatre is founded in1995 by choreographer Lin Lee-chen. Combining lush visual aesthetics with a brilliantly original and exquisite choreography that differs from all the other dances in the world, her works are deeply rooted in the tradition of Taiwan. Inspired by religious rituals, folk arts and the speed of a blossoming camellia, Lin composes two masterpieces: Miroirs de Vie and Hymne aux Fleurs qui Passent. The uniqueness of Legend Lin technique gives new interpretation to the phrase “poetry in motion.” Its minimalism not only focuses on the purity and beauty of body but transforms the whole theatre space into an illimitable dreamland. In Legend Lin Dance Theatre, dance is more than a rhythmic extension of body but a discovery of the depth in mind. It is through precisely such serene dialogues that Legend Lin Dance Theatre has not only been able to communicate with domestic audiences but has also inspired waves of enthusiasm abroad. Both works have been invited to theaters and dance festivals around the world.
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Cultural Centre of Taiwan in Paris is glad to present a performance to you which will be held in the places below:
05/09/2008 21h00 Oriente Occidente (Teatro Sociale) Italy
15/09-18/09/2008 20h30 Biennale de la Danse de Lyon (Cité l’Amphithéâtre) Franch
26/09-28/09/2008 Teatro Cuyas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
04/10/2008 20h00, 05/10/2008 19h00 Teatro Arriaga, Bilbao Spain
This activity is interpreted by Legend Lin Dance Theatre of Taiwan on the topic of Mirrors of Life. You can find information on the site (http://www.biennale-de-lyon.org/danse2008).
Contact us
Centre Culturel de Taiwan à Paris
78, rue de l’université
75007 Paris
TEL : 01 44 39 88 66 / FAX : 01 44 39 88 79
