Buddhism and Chinese culture celebrated in dance

The latest internationally acclaimed hit by Chinese award-winning choreographer Zhao Liang is coming to Shanghai.

“Tea Spell” is a wordless dance drama that draws on elements of Zen Buddhism and Chinese culture. It is for those who want to explore their inner, introspective self.

Inspired by a set of exquisite tea wares unearthed from the 600-year-old Famen Temple in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, the show recounts the story of a stunningly beautiful woman with a farmer, an officer and a monk respectively.

The male characters represent three different kinds of psychological orientations while the female character stands for temptation. After meeting with the stunning beauty, they go through a conflict of emotions. They are either tempted or pretend to feel nothing but then let their feelings get the better of them.

Using cutting-edge aesthetics in terms of costumes, props, choreography and makeup, Zhao explores the profound effect of human nature and contradiction in this touching  production saturated with Eastern elements and cultural characteristics.

“Out of all the works I have created, 'Tea Spell' is the one I put the most of myself into,” Zhao says.

During the performance, the tea sets from Famen Temple are presented on stage. Audiences are led to the subtle wisdom of the universe in a detached way following the dancers’ body language. 

Date: September 22-23, 7:30pm

Tickets: 80-680 yuan

Tel: 5299-0372

Venue: Shanghai International Dance Center Theater

Address: 1650 Hongqiao Rd