(Hong Kong, 25^th October 2022) Inspired by the theme of its current dance season, City Contemporary Dance Company (CCDC) continues to push boundaries and showcase the diversity and versatility of contemporary dance in Hong Kong through a variety of themes, performance formats, and artistic mediums. Hot on the heels of our just concluded and wildly successful Immersive Installation and Contemporary Dance performance Meeting In-between Time, avant-garde South Korean dance artist and composer Kim Jaeduk will be taking us on a fantastical trip of colour leading up to Christmas day with his latest production Brown, to take place across 7 shows at the Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 16 to 25 December 2022. Tickets now available at URBTIX. Any ticket purchased from today until 2 November will be entitled to a 20% early bird discount.

A Blend of Music and Dance Coloured by a Contemporary and Oriental Spirit

Kim choreographs and composes the music for Brown, including the latest colour-themed series he has been exploring in recent years. While presenting Asian-inspired works steeped in oriental hues and elements, he is passionate about developing his unique choreographic approach to contemporary dance and defining his creative vocabulary and style. In an interview, Kim expressed that music and dance were inseparable to him. “Music is dance, and vice versa,” he said. “I hope that the music in my works can be ‘seen’, while the dance can be ‘heard’.”

The inspiration for Brown stems from the dark wooden hues of the traditional Korean string instrument ajaeng, which led to a richly layered imagination of the colour brown. Beyond associating it with wood, the earth, and other elements of nature, Kim has the dancers wear brown masks and gloves as non-human figures, to convey a compelling futuristic vision and a striking contrast over the conventional imagery of brown. The performance starts off with primitive drumbeats and slow, mellow rhythms. As the sounds of traditional instruments and modern electronic music interweave, the dancers’ movements radiate dramatic tension and extraordinary energy. With fluid, flowing yet explosive physicality, the dance artists of CCDC will be stirring the audiences’ senses with a feast for the eyes and ears.

CCDC Once Again Brings Kim Jaeduk’s Production to Life With the Prowess of Asian Dance

As one of the most sought-after artists in South Korea in recent years, Kim is active in the performing arts scene both in his native country and abroad. He is a multitalented choreographer, singer, composer, and dancer celebrated for his inventive and inspiring rendition of traditional Korean elements through music and contemporary dance. In 2018, CCDC and Kim garnered great acclaim from audiences and critics alike for their first collaborative work Jangdan, a production that won him the Outstanding Music Composition Award at the Hong Kong Dance Awards 2019.

After four years, the “Korean wave” is once again hitting the shores of Hong Kong. On his new collaboration with CCDC, Kim said, “The dance artists at CCDC are quick-witted and agile. The movements required in Brown are very different from what they have trained for, so I’m interested in seeing how they will interpret and render the creative intentions behind this piece.”

Brown brings a different vitality to the 2022-23 Dance Season “Dance Mud Spring”, which has seen six online and offline productions and a movement-image festival so far. Building on their success this year, the vibrant team of CCDC looks forward to curating a brand-new and exuberant dance season with the theme of Summer next year.

Brown Programme Details

Creative Team

Choreography and Original Music: KIM Jaeduk

Rehearsal Master: Bruce WONG

Performance: Suyi HON, Felix KE, Natalie KO, Eric KWONG, Bobo LAI, Peggy LAM, Shirley LOK, Zelia TAN, Brian YAM*, Simpson YAU

Guest Performance: Ivan CHAN, Florence WOO

Lighting Design: Lawmanray

Costume Design: YEUNG Chin

Sound Design: Anthony YEUNG

* The Artistic Internship Scheme is supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council

About KIM Jaeduk