*ANNOUNCING* DDF 2024 Opening Show at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre - 13 Tongues by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

13 Tongues is an immersive and exhilarating representation of the sights, sounds and vitality Taipei's oldest district, the historic Bangka area. The esteemed Cloud Gate dancers perform with astounding fluidity and grace to bring to life Artistic Director Cheng Tsung-lung's memories of the bustling street life of his childhood neighbourhood. Amidst projections of brilliant colours, shapes, and images the work bridges generations of shared behaviours, identities and beliefs.

Cheng's inspiration stems from his mother's tales of "Thirteen Tongues," the legendary 1960s storyteller from Bangka, who masterfully conjured up its many characters in his vivid performances.

Beginning and ending with the sound of a single hand bell, the evocative musical score interweaves Taiwanese folk songs, Taoist chant, and electronica to create a journey through a stunning dreamlike world leading from the ancient to the contemporary.

13 Tongues demonstrates beautifully the extraordinary, elemental quality of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre which blends Eastern and Western aesthetics. Throughout its history the company has immersed its dancers in a distinctive blend of contemporary dance, classical and folk dance, ballet, meditation, tai chi and the Qi Gong breathing technique.

Dublin Dance Festival first presented Cloud Gate Dance Theatre 12 years ago in 2011 when it presented Songs of the Wanderers at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Dublin Dance Festival’s Artistic Director, Jazmin Chiodi, says, “We are delighted to return to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre with this work by arguably Aisa’s leading contemporary dance company. In 2024 Dublin Dance Festival will present a wide range of leading choreographers from Asia, the African diaspora and Europe as well as dance artists coming from non-formal and diverse dance backgrounds. The fluidity and poise of the Cloud Gate dancers is respected across the globe and 13 Tongues is a poetic and vibrant representation of the lived experiences and everyday surroundings of Taiwanese people. This is not one to miss!”

General Manager of Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Stephen Faloon says, “We’re thrilled to have Dublin Dance Festival back next year at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and the return of the stunning Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. We are honoured to open the 2024 festival with 13 Tongues and we can't wait for audiences to see this sensational production on our stage.”

What the Critics have said:

‘A sensationally big, indulgent, and visually arresting expression of cultural memory.’ The Times

‘13 Tongues brilliantly combines the simplicity of tradition with technological innovations.’ La Croix

‘13 Tongues demonstrates beautifully the extraordinary, elemental quality of the Cloud Gate dancers, energy coursing through their butter-soft, titanium-strength bodies, limbs curling like tendrils of smoke.’ The Guardian

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre was founded by its first Artistic Director, Lin Hwai-min in 1973 when there was no professional contemporary dance troupe in the Chinese-speaking world and at a moment when Taiwan was seeking its own cultural identity following 50 years of Japanese rule (1895-1945). Cloud Gate Dance Theatre has long been an established presence on the international dance scene. The company celebrates 50 years in 2023.

Event Details:

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 May 2024, 7:30pm
Tickets €25 – €55
65 mins (no interval)

Tickets available from 9am on Friday 10 November. 

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