Cloud Gate

Good evening everyone,

It is with immense pleasure that we welcome Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan tonight, an emblematic company from Asia that is now celebrated as one of the most prestigious on the world choreographic scene. With the exceptional virtuosity of its dancers, it offers a unique perspective on contemporary dance, blending modernity with Asian traditions.

Since taking over as Artistic Director in 2020, CHENG Tsung-lung has brought new energy to Cloud Gate while preserving the very essence of its rich heritage, deeply rooted in Asian culture. A talented and internationally acclaimed choreographer, CHENG explores new artistic horizons, notably through the bold integration of technology at the heart of his creations.

Lunar Halo embodies this spirit of renewal and innovation. Thirteen remarkable performers, trained in internal martial arts as well as an eclectic range of dance forms, invite us on a breathtaking lunar journey where movement intimately interacts with digital technology.

A fascinating sensory experience that we are thrilled to share with you.

Enjoy the show!

Pierre Des Marais — Artistic and Executive Director, Danse Danse.

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Territorial Acknowledgement

Danse Danse acknowledges that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien’keha:ka Nation. We honour the continued presence of Indigenous peoples on the Tiohtiá:ke (Montreal) territory, which has long served as a meeting place for exchanges between nations. With respect for the links to the past, present and future, we thank the Indigenous peoples for reminding us of the importance of living in harmony with ourselves, with each other and with nature, and we are grateful for the opportunity to present works of living art at Tiohtiá:ke.

This is my first time to Canada. I wrote this on my iPhone while the company was preparing for the opening night on 13 TONGUES in Pittsburgh.

Over the past month, 26 members of our company have been on tour, living in a time zone far removed from both the US election and the typhoon in Taiwan. This way of life feels so familiar to me—moving through different corridors, rooms, gates, and theatres. It also becomes an ongoing challenge and battle for the dancers, show after show.

We had a performance in Banff (Alberta) a few weeks ago. At 1,300 meters above sea level, the mountains, the trees, and the lake were a pleasant surprise. Though the thin air was challenging for our dancers, the warmth from Chris Lorway and all the staff at the Banff Centre made it less daunting.

There were moments when dancer HUANG Po-kai had to rely on the oxygen bottle. Seeing him breathing hard and gasping with tears in his eyes, he said "I can do it. Please just give me some time." I had my doubts, but I believed in him. Then, he got on stage again.

The tour goes on. Knowing what comes after a round of applause is another theatre, another hotel, and another curtain call. These dancers continue to build the world of dance.

Montreal is our last stop of the year. I would like to thank the Danse Danse’s invitation. I can’t wait to share LUNAR HALO with you all in Montreal.

CHENG Tsung-lung — Choreographer and Artistic Director, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

Cloud Gate Artistic Director CHENG Tsung-lung first observed a lunar halo - when light is refracted through layers of ice crystals in the atmosphere to produce a sparkling ring around the moon - in the sky over Iceland. The phenomenon is thought to presage a storm and, in some ancient societies, is taken as a more foreboding sign of impending change.

Working with the Icelandic band Sigur Rós, CHENG now explores the changes shaping our world today, particularly our increasing reliance on communicating through new technology. Performing to a hauntingly ethereal soundtrack, the dancers interact with each other - in pairs, groups, or as an ensemble - as well as with multiple large LED panels that are filled with fluidly moving shapes, colors, and images so that their sheer physicality highlights one of the essential questions of our age: if we can satisfy our needs and desires with just a few taps of a screen, what is the purpose of the human body?

Music by Sigur Rós

Sigur Rós, the enigmatic Icelandic band, captivates the world with celestial sounds, Icelandic lyrics, and "Vonlenska," their non-linguistic vocalizations, forging a primal connection in their 29-year, eight-album career. With 10 million global album sales, the "three normal, stupid guys from Iceland," as vocalist Jónsi describes their members, find contentment but acknowledge impermanence. "If people want us, then we just will." This awareness adds depth to their journey. For Jónsi, Sigur Rós and "ÁTTA," their 2023 album, exist in the present, reflecting moments when their music is needed. Committed to responsiveness, they remain a source of solace, showcasing the enduring power of their introspective soundscapes.

LUNAR HALO

Choreography CHENG Tsung-lung.

Music Sigur Rós.

Music Direction Kjartan Holm.

Visual Design and Direction Jam WU.

Lighting Design SHEN Po-hung.

Video Design Ethan WANG.

Costume Design CHEN Shao-yen.

Premiere April 13, 2019, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying), Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Commissionned by National Performing Arts Center-National Theater & Concert Hall, Taipei; National Taichung Theater ; National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying).

This tour is made possible in part by grants from the Ministry of Culture, Republic of China (Taiwan)

All music used by kind permission of Universal Music Publishing Limited.

STAFF MEMBERS
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

Founder LIN Hwai-min.

Artistic Director CHENG Tsung-lung.
Associate Artistic Director LEE Ching-chun.
Rehearsal Director YANG Ling-kai.
Rehearsal Assistants HUANG Mei-ya, WU Jui-ying, YEH Po-sheng.

Qi Gong Masters HSIUNG Wei, LEE Guo-wei.
Internal Martial Arts Masters Adam Chi HSU, CHEN Chun-lung.
Ballet Teachers LIN Li-chuan, WU Ching-yin.
Modern Dance Teachers HUANG Pei-hua, TSAI Ming-yuan.
Popping Teacher Popping ED.
Accompanists HONG Jia-ling, KUO Tsung-han, LIANG Chun-mei, WU Jia-jin.

Dancers CHEN Mu-han, HOU Tang-li, HUANG Mei-ya, LEE Tzu-chun, WU Jui-ying, YEH Po-sheng, CHAN Pui-pui, CHEN Lien-wei, CHEN Tsung-chiao, CHOU Chen-yeh, FAN Chia-hsuan, HSU Chih-hen, HUANG Lu-kai, HUANG Po-kai, HUANG Yen-cheng, SHAO Hsing-wen, YEN Hsueh-hsin, CHANG Hung-mao, CHANG Pei-cheng, HUANG Hsiang-ting, WANG Chun-hung.
Apprentice LIN Sin-yu, Annette Lyn SEOW, WU Tsung-yang.

Administrative Staff on Tour
General Manager HUANG Ching-yi (Haluko).
Project Manager CHUANG Ting-chi.
Project Assistant TSENG Mei-hua (Margaux).

Technical Staff on Tour.
Deputy Production Director CHUNG Pin-yueh (Jason).
Stage Manager CHEN Chia-ju.
Technical Director KAO Tang-chieh.
Lighting Supervisor TSENG Yen-min.
Wardrobe Supervisor HSU Wen-wen.
Swing Technician YANG Buo-an.
Sound Engineer LIOU Yun-chang.