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Hung Dance BIRDY NOV 14 + 15, 2025 • 7:30 pm Royal Theatre Running time: 60 minutes (no intermission) The Royal Theatre is located on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen peoples, also known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live, create, and perform on this territory.
Hung Dance in BIRDY. Photo: ChrisART STUDIO
Please, no video or audio recording of any kind. No photographs.
About BIRDY Artistic Direction & Choreography: Lai Hung-chung Performers: Cheng I-han, Lee Kuan-ling, Lu Ying-chieh, Wu Shin-jie, Ho Tzu-wen, Chen Ting-yu, Huang Li-chieh, Xia Zhen-wei, Chiu Po-sheng Composer: Hsu Chia-wei Technical Director and Lighting Designer: Tsai Chao-yu
Costume Designer: Summer Lin Tour Lighting Designer: Sung Yung-hung Technical Coordinator: Ko Ya-yun Prop Construction: Chou Kuan-chih Touring Manager: Chen Wei-ping Copywriter: Fion Lee
BIRDY by Lai Hung-chung examines the tension between freedom and limitation within Taiwan’s communities. Through the interplay of personal and societal narratives, Lai explores how emotions and echoes of history shape collective harmony. Using the metaphors of the cage and the dream, the choreographer connects individual struggles to broader social contexts. By reinterpreting traditional Peking opera props— transforming the spear into a cage-like “rattan pole”—Lai symbolizes the constraints of life. The Ling Zi (pheasant
feathers), which traditionally signify warrior strength, are reimagined as symbols of self-awareness and empowerment. This imagery evokes the delicate balance between limitation and aspiration. Set to an eclectic mix of electronic and Chinese classical music, BIRDY blends Tai Chi and contemporary dance to trace the journey from tradition to modernity. The result is a compelling reflection on how identity and social boundaries can be redefined in our time.
About Hung Dance Hung Dance is a Taiwanese contemporary dance company founded in 2017 by Artistic Director and choreographer Lai Hung-chung. The name “Hung (翃)” symbolizes the spirit of soaring freedom. In addition to its focus on annual productions, international collaboration, and tours, Hung Dance also organizes the Stray Birds Dance Platform to foster choreographers’ creativity and connect emerging artists with global resources. The company has received numerous awards for its exceptional choreographic pieces, including Watcher, BIRDY, and Push and Pull in renowned competitions and festivals worldwide. It has also embarked on an extensive international tour, captivating audiences across Europe, Asia, America, and Africa with over two hundred mesmerizing performances.
Hung Dance’s performances are a unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements, inviting audiences to interpret, imagine, and embrace dance’s timeless beauty. Lai Hung-chung’s choreography delves into human emotions and the connection between culture and nature. By seamlessly blending elements of Chinese opera, mythology, and Tai Chi with contemporary concepts, he has created a unique dance vocabulary and training system that is sure to intrigue and captivate. Website | hungdance.com Instagram | @HungDanceTaiwan Facebook | facebook.com/HungDanceTaiwan
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Dancers and Creative Team
Lai Hung-chung
Cheng I-hang
Lee Kuong-ling
Lu Ying-chieh
Wu Shin-ji
Ho Tzu-wen
Chen Ting-yu
Huang Li-chieh
Xia Zhen-wei
Chiu Po-sheng
Hsu Chia-wei
Tsai Chao-yu
Summer Lin
Sung Yung-hung
Hung Dance in BIRDY. Photos: Liu Ren-haur
Read the company’s full biographies by scanning this QR code with your smartphone’s camera.
Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in Nutcracker. Photo: Gregg Ingram
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Dance Victoria Studios
President: Colette Baty Vice President: Brendan Ralfs Treasurer: Sarah Millard Secretary: Marlon Murr Directors: Kemi Craig, Linley Faulkner, Aaron Lukoni, Joost Pelt, Philip Pierce, Carrie Smart, Emily Zeng
Executive Director: Gillian Jones General Manager: Anderson Gomez Development & Operations Manager: Shireen McNeilage Marketing Manager: Anne-Sophie Cournoyer Production Manager: Holly Vivian Community Engagement Manager: Larissa Sharma Artist Programs & Studio Manager: Kiera Shaw Graphic Design: Rayola Creative Advertising Sales: Bonnie Light Advertising
111 – 2750 Quadra St. Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 P: 250-595-1829 F: 250-590-7209 info@dancevictoria.com
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Dance Victoria wishes to thank our many donors and volunteers. Dance Victoria’s Chrystal Dance Fund and Endowment Fund are held at the Victoria Foundation. Dance Victoria is a proud member of the CanDance Network and the BC Alliance for Arts & Culture.
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