Cloud Gate Dance Theatre Of Taiwan Dazzles Chicago
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 14, 2014 6:05PM
Cloud Gate dancer Wang Wei-ming. Photo by Yu Hui-hung.
The acclaimed Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan opens the first of two shows at Auditorium Theatre tonight. The first contemporary dance company in any Chinese speaking community, their choreography and training blends Eastern and Western styles for a truly unique experience. The most striking thing about this weekend’s Songs of the Wanderers performances though, is the three and a half tons of shimmering golden rice that rain down on the stage creating unparalleled imagery.
Photo by Lindsay Schlesser.
The company suffered a major setback in 2008 when a fire destroyed their studios, sets, costumes and production archives. That’s when the Alphawood Foundation of Chicago, a private foundation dedicated to making the world a more equitable, just and humane place, stepped in and gave them a grant that is enabling them to rebuild their headquarters, Tamsui Center. While the dancers are visiting Chicago though, they decided to have a little fun and took advantage of sharing a name with one of our city’s beloved tourist destinations. Yep, it’s Cloud Gate at Cloud Gate.
Tonight’s performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and the second performance is Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. and will be followed by a free conversation with the artists. Tickets are $25-$68. The Auditorium Theatre is located at 50 E. Congress.