Dongpo: Life in Poems

ABOUT THE SHOW

Directed by world-renowned artist Shen Wei, Dongpo: Life in Poems is a breathtaking contemporary dance opera that transcends time to explore the soul of the legendary Song Dynasty poet, Su Dongpo. Through a masterful fusion of contemporary dance, Chinese opera, Tai Chi, and an evocative score co-composed by Chen Qigang, this production transforms ancient poetry into a visceral, immersive experience.

Rather than a linear biography, the performance weaves together 13 selected poems to reveal the universal emotions of the human condition—contemplation, melancholy, resilience, and unrestrained joy. By integrating visual elements of calligraphy, painting, and seal engraving, Shen Wei creates a poetic atmosphere that invites the audience to synchronize their breath with the dancers on stage.

This production is a bridge between cultures and eras. It requires no prior knowledge of Chinese history or language; instead, it speaks the universal language of the body and spirit. Whether you are a fan of contemporary dance or a seeker of profound artistic resonance, Dongpo: Life in Poems invites you on a spiritual journey to discover the rugged yet broad-minded soul of a poet from a millennium ago, whose wisdom remains as relevant today as it was in the Song Dynasty.

Experience the harmony of ancient tradition and modern vision. Come and find your own reflection in the life of Dongpo.

Biography of Artists / Performers

Shen Wei is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary artist whose career spans dance, choreography, painting, and directing. Since founding "Shen Wei Dance Arts" in New York in 2000, he has developed the "Natural Body Development" technique, a methodology now taught at major universities and dance centers globally. His work has been presented in over 40 countries and 140 cities, establishing him as a pioneering figure in contemporary performance.

Throughout his career, Shen Wei has been commissioned by more than 30 major international institutions to create modern dance, ballet, opera, art films, and installation performances. Notable commissions include works for the Edinburgh International Art Festival, Lincoln Center Festival, American Dance Festival, Berlin Art Festival, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Next Wave Festival. He has also collaborated with iconic venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Kennedy Center, and the Roman Opera House. In 2008, he served as a director for the "Scroll Painting" section of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. His recent immersive projects include "Integrate," commissioned by the China Shanghai International Art Festival, and extensive solo painting exhibitions at the P.S.A. Contemporary Art Museum in Shanghai and other international galleries.

Shen Wei's contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including the 2004 Nijinsky Award, the 2007 MacArthur "Genius" Award, the 2018 John Rockefeller III Achievement Award, and the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Dance Festival. He lives and works between Paris, New York, and China, continuing to push the boundaries of multidisciplinary artistic expression.