“Bei Dao’s Poems, Helen’s Dance, and Me”
Chou Shu-yi
Lately, I have begun to dance through poetry. Some may see this as an age-old artistic form, but that does not mean the fusion of poetry and dance should fade away. Contemporary theatre has the power to transcend eras—perhaps now is the moment to redefine the language of poetry and movement.
Photo by Worldwide Dancer Project
Over a year ago, while exploring Helen Lai’s choreographic timeline, I came across the title of a dance work, Certain Movements and Shadows (2006). My curiosity led me to discover that its inspiration stemmed from the poetry of Bei Dao. The title itself comes from the final line of his poem February, a phrase brimming with imagination. Yet, what kinds of movements and shadows did it refer to? What stories lay behind them? As we began conceptualising our collaboration, this line became our theme. Through this work, we hoped to capture our present experience of living in Hong Kong and the world, weaving it into a layered exploration of light, shadow, and movement.
Photo by Carmen SO
Eighteen years later, the poem remains unchanged, but the world and its circumstances have shifted. Helen invited me to co-create this piece, marking the first time either of us had choreographed in collaboration with another artist. We appreciated and respected each other’s work and artistic language, challenging and expanding our creative boundaries—seeking movement within poetry.
Published in Chou Shu-yi’s column Speaking Through Art in the The Liberty Times supplement.
Photo by Carmen SO
