The 2013 OzAsia Festival extends its reach this year, to focus on Malaysia, though as in previous years the program also features a range of works from many of our close neighbours. It opened with the Taiwanese production Meeting with Bodhisattva, from U-Theatre; a work devoted to the God of Wisdom – exploring spirituality through divine drumming and movement.
Under the direction of Liu Ruo-Yu and music director Huang Chih-Chun, Taiwan’s U-Theatre presented this immensely physical tale of the search for inner calm amid chaos.
Through athletic drumming, martial arts, Buddhist chanting, and sacred dance, Meeting with Bodhisattva tells of one man’s chance encounter with a deity, learning that the only way to wisdom lies in letting go – becoming one with the Universe.
The production follows six stages of the journey of a Bodhisattva: a being who postpones enlightenment in order to participate in the sufferings of mankind. This piece derives from the teachings of Vajrasattva, the God of Wisdom.
The Bodhisattva (Huang Chich-Chun, in ornate ritual mask) takes to the stage to the beat of an enormous drum perched on a stand, building in intensity and excitement, joined by the other performers on various percussion instruments. Their drumming, powerful and intensifying, is juxtaposed with their stoic faces.
The contrast between slow stillness and sudden leaping whirls and drumbeats aid in the soul’s progression. As Bodhisattva and others jump into the air with staffs, battle each other, and precisely hit a drum, their physicality seems beyond human – it is the reality of Asian Cinematic effect, combined with the fluidity of the Shao-Lin Warrior Monks.
It builds, over 80 minutes, to a hypnotic finale, the full cast whirling like human dervishes – stopping, one by one, until stillness and silence fall.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Meeting with Bodhisattva– U-Theatre, Taiwan
Artistic Director: Liu Ruo-Yu
Music Director: Huang Chin-Chung
Set/Lighting Designer: Lin Keh-Hua
Costume Designer: Tim Yip
Her Majesty’s Theatre
13-14 September
OzAsia Festival 2013
www.ozasiafestival.com.au
13-29 September
