Combat and rain

By MARCIA B. SIEGEL  |  May 13, 2008

Chen’s program notes told us about the legends and metaphysical images that underlay all these dances. Lindsey Parker represented the spirit of the river and Qiao Zeng the fisherman getting his sustenance from her spring floods. But watching the dance, I thought they could have been lovers or even lifelong companions on a fateful journey, as he poled an invisible boat and she hovered around him.

For the finale, Festival, the whole company joined in a procession of dancing, tumbling, flag dances and a calligraphic extravaganza of long silk scarves in bright colors, foaming and spurting above the stage.

With its quiet and mysterious moods, its visual spectacle and meticulous dancing, this beautifully produced program might have induced reflection and calm — except for the fidgety audience, the clicking of cameras and the blue glow of pocket-sized video recorders, and the rattle of snacks being unwrapped.

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