Asia’s leading contemporary dance company, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, will open Dublin Dance Festival’s 2024 Edition, conjuring the fantastical world of 13 Tongues, with performances on 14 and 15 May 2024 at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
13 Tongues is an immersive and exhilarating representation of the sights, sounds and vitality of Taipei’s oldest district, the historic Bangka area. The esteemed Cloud Gate dancers perform with astounding fluidity and grace to bring to life Artistic Director Cheng Tsung-lung’s memories of the bustling street life of his childhood neighbourhood. Amidst projections of brilliant colours, shapes, and images the work bridges generations of shared behaviours, identities and beliefs.
Cheng’s inspiration stems from his mother’s tales of “Thirteen Tongues,” the legendary 1960s storyteller from Bangka, who masterfully conjured up its many characters in his vivid performances.
Watch the trailer:
Beginning and ending with the sound of a single hand bell, the evocative musical score interweaves Taiwanese folk songs, Taoist chant, and electronica to create a journey through a stunning dreamlike world leading from the ancient to the contemporary.
13 Tongues demonstrates beautifully the extraordinary, elemental quality of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre which blends Eastern and Western aesthetics. Throughout its history the company has immersed its dancers in a distinctive blend of contemporary dance, classical and folk dance and ballet, meditation, tai chi and the Qi Gong breathing technique.
Dublin Dance Festival first brought Cloud Gate Dance Theatre to Dublin12 years ago in 2011 when it presented Songs of the Wanderers at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Dublin Dance Festival’s Artistic Director, Jazmin Chiodi, says, “We are delighted to return to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre with this work. The fluidity and poise of the Cloud Gate dancers is respected across the globe – this is not one to miss!”
Find out more about the inspiration behind 13 Tongues from choreographer CHENG Tsung-lung
What the Critics have said:
‘A sensationally big, indulgent, and visually arresting expression of cultural memory.’ The Times
‘13 Tongues brilliantly combines the simplicity of tradition with technological innovations.’ La Croix
‘13 Tongues demonstrates beautifully the extraordinary, elemental quality of the Cloud Gate dancers, energy coursing through their butter-soft, titanium-strength bodies, limbs curling like tendrils of smoke.’ The Guardian
Event Details:
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2
Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 May 2024, 7:30pm
€25 – €55
65 mins (no interval)
Book tickets and explore the full Festival Programme at dublindancefestival.ie
All Images: 13 Tongues by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan © LIU Chen-hsiang
