At the Dawn of Chu

Summary:

This performance followed the origin of time, the seasons, and the sun and moon as told by the Chu culture. Nu Tian gave birth to the seasons, who stepped in succession to make time. The mountains were created and Sun and Moon learned to dance together, thus creating night and day. Following this theme, at midnight the seasons danced together and a horse effigy was burned to welcome the coming Chinese Year of the Horse, which occurs in mid-February.

Principle:

In 1942 tomb robbers in Hunan discovered a document that has recently been given a thorough translation. Named “The Chu Silk Manuscript”, this document details a cosmogony of a region within the Chu culture. Unlike similar documents of that time period, rather than a self-creating universe, this particular cosmogony involves creative deities that generate the world through the chaos of the Wuji pre-created chaos.

For further information about the Chu culture, please refer to:

Defining Chu,
Constance Cook and John Major
Univesity of Hawai'i Press, 1999

Aesthetic:

The indoor Pantages production featured silk costumes on the aerialists, custom-built flight harnesses that were invisible underneath the costuming, and 30' backdrops that raised from the ground during the performance. The Corybante student troupe danced onstage as the Months. The Cabiri movement style was influenced by martial art Pa Kua.

The Let's Dance! House Band accompanied the production, providing percussion and wind instrumentation. An ambience of mystery, beauty, and energy was created.

The midnight fire performance and effigy burning was a culmination of efforts. Students from Auburn Riverside High School constructed the 12' horse effigy under the direction of John Murphy, Artistic Director. Local pyrotechnicians, metal workers, and electricians collaborated on the various special effects included in the burn. From the smoking nose, flaming eyes, sparkling mane, and mushroom cloud eruption, the effigy burn was a spectacular display.

Retrospective:

This production brought The Cabiri to an entirely new level of quality and professionalism. Working with IATSE theater professionals, this amazingly technical show was executed safely and successfully.

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