Eccentric island for the displaced and eclectic stage for tales of migration
“Every butterfly is a flower in its past life, returning to the present to visit itself.”
Nestled between the discordant past and unresolved future, the fictional Butterfly Island is a safe haven for foreigners, strangers and all those displaced. At the beach, the mermaids sing remix versions of their childhood songs. The tears they shed turn into pearls, embedding the touching stories of migration. Celebrations always kick off on time with the islanders dancing the seemingly antiquated yet sensual dance. Floating bottles pass by Butterfly Island every day as stories of strangers unfold themselves…
Butterfly Island is the brainchild of the quirky and charismatic He Qi-wo (ErGao), considered one of the bright stars of contemporary dance in the Mainland. After his 2018 production of Disco-Teca that blended visuals, installation and dance with kitsch-chic in Tai Kwun, ErGao assembles large amount of visuals on diaspora in his latest work Butterfly Island which features millennial to Gen Z dancers. Tai Kwun’s various spaces are transformed into a “synthesize scene” in which people from different regions and eras meet and bid farewell to each other, just as butterflies’ momentary encounters.
Creative Team
Concept/Director: He Qi-wo (Er Gao)
Performers: Liu Qing-yu, Zhang Dian-ling, Lou Hio-mei, Wang Yun-ke, Sun Ming-chi, Dong Chong-han, Xie Zi-ling, Li Run-jian
Lighting/Staging Design: Low Shee-hoe
Spatial Design: Shen Jun
Music Design: Fractal
Dramaturg: Sun Xiao-xing
Costume Design: Hu Die Gong Zhu
Video Design: Li Yu-qian, Zhou Li-heng
Visual Design: Fu Mei-lin
Academic Consultants: Dr. Wang Qian, Lin Xin-bei
Producers: Annie Feng, Pan Xiong
Observers: Shen Jun, Chen Yu-jie, Cathleen Pan Si-ming
Video Script: Wang Bing-yi
Special thanks to: Shi Jing-jie, Tam Suet-wa, Guo Man-yu, Mid-Mountain Dancers, Guan Xu-wen, Wain, BIEDE
Remarks
- Performance Duration: around 3 hours
- Ticketed audience can freely access Prison Yard and F Hall for the first 2 hours of the performance; the last 1 hour of the performance will take place inside F Hall and no latecomers will be admitted
- Part of the videos contain Chinese and English subtitles
- Recommended for age 12 and above
- Audience is required to walk around various locations. Please assess your physical condition if it is suitable for participation
- No cancellations, refunds or changes can be made on confirmed tickets
- Comfortable clothing is recommended
- Programmes are subject to change without prior notice. Tai Kwun reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the arrangements.
