The costumes for the 12 women are breathtaking. Each one wears a full-length cape of a different color, with an elaborate flower or bamboo design embroidered on it. Underneath is a simple gauze gown of the same color, set off by a contrasting ribbon. The capes are reversible -- for the last scene, the women turn them over so that the white silk linings create the image of a snowy winter.
The sumptuous costumes designed by Lin Jing-ru (林璟如) are set off by the beautifully spare set design by Chinese-American Ming Cho Lee (李名覺) -- backdrops of varying trios of gauze strips that resemble unrolled scrolls. The changing seasons are represented by the changing colors of the gauze.
Now for the bad news. The Taipei performances are sold out. There are still some tickets left, however, for the performances in Taichung, Kaohsiung and Chiayi in the next few weeks. The company will also be performing Dream at its outdoor performances this summer and in Shanghai in October.
The exact dates of the later performances weren't available yesterday. The director of Cloud Gate's marketing department, Kathy Hong (洪家琪), said the company's outdoor performance season will be held as usual in late July, and early August. There will be one performance each in Kinmen, Kaohsiung and then Taipei (in the plaza at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial).
However, if you miss the current tour and won't be around over the summer for the outdoor performances, don't despair.
Many of Cloud Gate's productions have been filmed while the company was performing abroad and are available on video or DVD. Lin said Dream will be filmed during this run of performances. Hong said the recording will be available for sale before the end of the year.
For your information :
What: Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
Where: CKS Cultural Center, National Theatre (
When: Tonight through April 2 at 7:45pm. Saturday March 27 and April 3 at 2:45 pm.
Tickets: Sold out.
Additional info: The company will be performing at the Taichung City Cultural Center Chunshan Hall on April 8 and 9 at 7:30pm and April 9 at 2:30pm. In Kaohsiung the troupe will be at the Kaoshiung City Cultural Center Chih-Der Hall on April 15 at 7:30pm and April 16 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. The performances in Chiayi, Lin's hometown, are at the Chiayi Performing Arts Center on April 22 and 23 at 7:30pm.
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