Poly Grand Theater announces new season, celebrates 10th anniversary
Renowned choreographer and visual artist Shen Wei's double bill "Folding" and "Near the Terrace" mark the start of the Shanghai Poly Grand Theater's new performance season.
The season will feature 36 stage productions in 73 performances through to December.
Designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the theater, located in suburban Jiading District, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The programs for the new season cover music, dance, drama and shows for children.
Shen Wei (second left) and his group members introduce their program.
"Folding" and "Near the Terrace" are Shen's avant-garde classics. The two Shanghai performances on Saturday and Sunday are presented by dancers from France, China, and the US.
Shen was born in a traditional opera family, but went to Guangzhou to study in the country's first professional modern dance class.
"It was difficult to switch to dance, but I really love exploring the aesthetics of body movement," said Shen.
"Folding" and "Near the Terrace" raise the curtain for the Shanghai Poly Grand Theater's new season.
Shen applied for a scholarship in 1995 and went to the United States. At the age of 26, he carried with him Eastern culture and absorbed elements from the Western world.
"Folding" was created by Shen for the Guangdong Modern Dance Company in 2000. After its success, Shen created a sister piece "Near the Terrace."
After more than two decades, Shen is restaging the classic works in Shanghai, upgrading the stage setting, costumes and lighting.
"To introduce other art forms into dance can develop more possibilities for dance and bring a richer perspective to the audiences," he added. "That's why we added video and other new elements into the works."
Posters of Poly Grand Theater's programs
As for music performances, Russian violinist Maxim Vengerov will present a recital on September 11. He will be joined by pianist Vaagn Papian.
Under the baton of Jörg-Peter Weigle, the Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt will give a concert on September 30 – Poly Grand Theater's 10th birthday. Violin soloist Yang Tianwa will join the performance.
French musical comedy "Sax" will meet audiences at the Poly Grand Theater on October 27. The performance is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.
As for drama, Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center's "12 Angry Men" will be performed on November 29 and 30.
The Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt will perform on September 30, which is Poly Grand Theater's 10th birthday.
"The Dream Interrupted," starring Chinese comedy star Chen Peisi and his son Chen Dayu, is returning to Shanghai stage from December 5 to 8.
There are also dramas, musicals and acrobatic shows for children in October.
The Poly Grand Theater will continue with its Social Aesthetic Education series in the new season. Performances of the series will be made accessible to audiences at a low price between 30 yuan (US$ 4.2) and 80 yuan.
Those interested can follow the theater's official Wechat account "SHPGT2014" for more information.
Shanghai Poly Grand Theater was designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
If you go:
Venue: Shanghai Poly Grand Theater 上海保利大剧院
Address: 159 Baiyin Road, Jiading District 嘉定区白银路159号
