Haunted by Chineseness
09/11/2007 - 13:00
9 November 2007
16.00 - 18.00 hrs, with drinks afterwards
A seminar on transnational Chinese art and dance
Organised by IIAS, Asian Studies in Amsterdam (ASiA), Het Muziektheater and SPUI25
SPUI25, Amsterdam
Language: English
Entrance free, r.s.v.p.
Early November, Shen Wei Dance Company will perform their acclaimed piece "Second Visit to the Empress" in Het Muziektheater in Amsterdam. This performance combines references to traditional Chinese opera with contemporary dance. This mixture of cultural influences, coming from a Chinese choreographer living in New York, poses important questions on the role of cultural identity in the making of contemporary dance and art. Shen Wei claims: My work isn't about real life or about being Western, or Eastern. I'm exploring the unknown, I'm looking for a new way to communicate. How to think beyond the worn-out dichotomy East versus West? Why do critics and audiences expect traces of Chineseness in contemporary dance and art from Chinese artists? How do artists negotiate such demands? Are they indeed haunted by Chineseness? This afternoon will explore these questions with Chinese artists, choreographers and academics.
Programme
16.00-16.15 - Opening
16.15-16.45 - Choreographer Shen Wei will be interviewed by radio presenter and lyricist Chow Yiu Fai
16.45-17.00 - Dr. Francesca del Lago (Leiden University, specialized on contemporary Chinese art), "'Icons of China': Nationalism and Nouvelle Chinoiserie in Contemporary Chinese Art"
17.00-17.15 - Meiya Lin, Chinese artist, "Being put on a stand"
17.15-17.30 - Teck Voon Ng, Dutch-Chinese choreographer, "How to dance Chineseness (or not)?"
17.30-18.00 - Haunted by Chineseness - Discussion chaired by Chow Yiu Fai
18.00-19.00 - Drinks
What explains the worldwide popularity of Chinese contemporary art? Is there anything Chinese about it? Join this afternoon for a look behind the screens.
Entrance is free but the number of seats is limited, you need to register with SPUI25 at Spui25@uva.nl, or click on the link below
Please click here for the route
For more information, please contact Jeroen de Kloet at b.j.dekloet@uva.nl
The performance of Shen Wei starts at 20.15 at Het Muziektheater, tickets can be bought online:
Please click here to reserve tickets
At 19.30, Frank Kouwenhoven will give an introduction to the performance at Het Muziektheater.