A Word from the Co-Directors

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The Body Fisher is an innovative, modern production designed for a cast of two actors, a dynamic dance ensemble from China comprising ten dancers, a singer and a musician.  Its vision is to masterfully intertwine different realms, crafting unexpected encounters and collisions that spark intrigue. While the play may confront discomforting and unsettling aspects, it also unveils a hidden beauty and a fleeting glimmer of hope. Its narrative deeply resonates with the complex challenges of our modern era.

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The Body Fisher delves into the essence of human resilience and our ability to navigate the obstacles that befall us. It explores profound questions that emerge from moments of despair and loss: Is it preferable to have cherished and lost, despite the knowledge that everything eventually disappears downstream? Should we embrace acceptance or endeavour to forget as a means to endure suffering? And where do we truly belong in the realms of life and death?

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In the heart of this captivating tale, lies an entangled web of emotions and relationships. Our weary protagonist, Wei, finds himself caught between two worlds - one filled with the weight of past experiences, and another untouched by life's trials. The young female character, a beacon of innocence, casts a luminous light upon Wei's path, igniting a flame of rediscovery within him. Yet, amidst this delicate dance, the haunting presence of Wei's lost wife looms, representing the ethereal essence of memory and the profound ache of loss. Together, these characters form an intricate acting triangle, each playing a vital role in the delicate balance of this story.

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Another key feature of this contemporary drama is its unique blend of dance and spoken word. Chinese choreographer Tian Tian takes inspiration from still images of the Han and Tang Dynasty art, infusing her dance language with a remarkable ability to connect the old world with the new world. The ensemble of dancers embody more than just their artistry. They represent the voices and spirits of our ancestors, connecting us to the bodies in the river that lead to the underworld. As we witness their movements, we are transported to a realm where the boundaries between the past, present, and future blur.

 

The theatre and choreography effortlessly capture an ancient surrealism, one where light intertwines with darkness, sorrow dances alongside joy, and life embraces its intricate relationship with death.

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- Farooq Chaudhry, OBE