Yang Liping is one of the most famous dancers in mainland China. Her work continues to combine and re-imagine the diversity of the country’s contemporary and ancient traditions.
Based on the classical story Farewell My Concubine, Under Siege is Yang Liping’s first modern work as a choreographer, and is a more abstract piece than traditional narrative Chinese dance theatre.
Featuring set and costume by Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Akram Khan’s DESH) and lighting by 2013 Knight of Illumination winner Fabiana Piccioli and installation design by Beili Liu, this work draws inspiration from Chinese opera, modern dance, martial arts, and hip hop. The historic tale is told through its distinctive characters and use of live music, creating a universally dramatic experience which transcends its Chinese roots.