BEYOND THE SHORE
ITOSHIMA 2023
Itoshima International Art Festival 2023
live performance
As one of the invited artists by Let’s Be Together Arts Festival (Taiwan) and Itoshima International Art Festival, we performed four site-specific performances in front of the Shrine about the sea legends of our coastal city, Hong Kong. The audience is also part of the ritual.
Experimental dance film
A dance film about the decaying sea myths and the (re-)imaginations brought by the sea civilisation over time.
"In ancient times, people celebrate and worship nature, gods, and goddesses in awe. However, in present times, we humans try to rule over nature and see it as a depository of resources for our advancement. Are ancient myths still relevant to our lives? Can mythology pass on wisdom to future generations? How will we relate to nature's power in the future?”
RESEARCH
The team interviewed locals about their daily lives, local myths and histories. For example, the history of the Ito-shima, its transportation networks, and the myths behind the stunning scene of Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones, sea gods etc. What triggered our imagination is the legend of “Himiko”, a shamanic queen, and it inspired us to continue researching the mythology around her and themes of femininity.
"DAWN 4.0: BEYOND THE SHORE"
When historical boundaries dissolve, "truth" emerges in mythology. How does the "self" transform in multiple lives? If the ocean keeps memories, what does it record about us? From ancestral conflicts to mermaid legends to legendary female pirates, waves of historical stories have nurtured maritime civilizations generation after generation. Inspired by the Hong Kong mermaid "Lo Ting" and the pirate queen Zheng Yisao, "DAWN 4.0: Beyond the Shore" connects mythology, history, and gender, and embarks on a journey of self-reflection through a "post-human ritual".
Choreography/ Performance： Alysa Leung
Dramaturgy/ Performance： Evelyn Wan
Videography： Anson Sham
Calligraphy: Rylie Lee
Cooperation Partner: Itoshima International Art Festival 2023, Tsubasa International Guest House (Itoshima) , Let's Be Together Arts Festival (Kaohsiung)
Supported by HKADC
Hong Kong Arts Development Council fully supports freedom of artistic expression. The views and opinions expressed in this project do not represent the stand of the Council
