Choreography: Kim Jae Duk (Korea)
Resident choreographer Kim Jae Duk’s first full-length creation for T.H.E Dance Company, Mr. Sign centres on the subject of thoughts and ideas. Framed by a larger inquiry on existence and rationality, Mr. Sign examines the individual’s place in a hierarchical society, where relationships may not necessarily provide emotional satisfaction and peace of mind is only achieved through the realisation of self. Ultimately, it questions if communication is indeed important to humans.
Displaying his keen musicality, Kim reworks traditional Korean ‘trot music’, Indonesian gamelan, and parts of Tchaikovsky’s classic piece Swan Lake to create an edgy, heart-pounding music score.
Praise for Mr. Sign:
“The work’s stunning sections of danced unison are a sign of solidarity, as well as a commentary on social conformity… (the dancers) rise to the occasion as confident performers, impressing beyond their usually faultless dancing.” – Germaine Cheng, The Straits Times
“《符号先生》呐喊出令人奋发的勇气和催人反抗的号角,舞得血脉喷张、看得神魂激荡!。。。(它是)舞人舞团创团至今最好的作品!”- 王一鸣,联合早报
“《符号先生》是可以在不同国家上演而又能带来共鸣的超越性作品。。。作品广袤的相像空间,是它能超越文化界限的原因之一。”- 李海燕, dance journal / hk
Premiere: CONTACT Contemporary Dance Festival 2013, 29 – 30 November 2013, Esplanade Theatre Studio
premiere date 16–18 Sep 2021 | Goodman Arts Centre Black Box | Nah Jieying, Klievert Jon Mendoza, Goh Jia Yin & Maybelle Lek
T.H.E Dance Company is supported by the National Arts Council under the Major Company Scheme for the period from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2023.
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