JASMINE TOWN (2022)

Credits

Concept & choreography: Yang Zhen
Literary consultant: Chen Tianxi
Drama composition: Li Yichunzi
Special invited dancers: Rianto, Murakami Shengma, Sanmu Zhuying, Li Zhenyuzi, Li Yichunzi
Performers: Chen Tianxi, Qu Ailing, Qu Aimei, Li Shifu, Ma Shuangxi, Mankou Liwen, Jinjiang Shimen, Keen Lu Jiancong, Wang Qiancheng, Chen Jun, Liu Dan, Zhong Muqiu, Zhong Yuti, Kawashima Kawakami, Chen Fupo, Zeng Deshen, Fu Shunhe, Yongtian Amber, Ailey lo, Lang Craighill, Qian Huima, Odimegu Ricky Reoto, David Soong Ellis, Ema Miyuki Fujimoto
Stage lighting design: Bigu Liangya
Sound Design: Meisheng Saito
Stage supervisor: Lang Craighill/Meiwa Menda
Production coordinator: Meiwa Menda
Production: Red Virgo Theater Production

Commissioned Production: 2022 Yokohama International performing Art Meeting YPAM, Japan

Premiere: Kanagawa Art Theater Hall, Yokohama, Japan. Dec 10 and 11, 2022.

About

In this creation, Yang Zhen still focuses on the ecology derived from the transition of urban society, and people’s identities due to immigration, and also concentrates on the analysis of the existing context of globalization. First, by further studying the overseas people of Chinese origin, he explores the ecology of these people dominated by the Western political context, and how their history is re-described and interpreted against the Western background. He wants to review our understanding on social structure and transition, and raise questions on a new difficulty of expression in post-pandemic times. Since August, 2019, he started to visit China Towns in Vancouver and Montreal in Canada, as well as the biggest one in San Francisco, USA. His interviews, observations and research lasted half a year and were halted by the outbreak of the pandemic in North America. Thanks to these visits, he’s much more determined to do this creation and research. Only by taking a close look at the history of those of Chinese origin living overseas, can we deeply understand how the concept of the “Chinese Nation” is misused and hollowed out in the context of politicalized and de-politicalized worlds.