Zhang Ailing Discussion & Demonstration May 16
04-29-2008
Zhang Ailing – Her Early Years in Shanghai & Hong Kong
Friday, May 16, 5-7pm
University Club
Free & Open to Public
This event is a panel discussion facilitated by Professor Wendy Ho (Asian American Studies) and including Barry Plews and Hu He (Reckless Moments) and Professor Sheldon Lu (Comparative Literature) followed by a demonstration.
The discussion will focus on Zhang Ailing’s early 1940’s writings – the ‘Shanghai-Hong Kong period’, with attention to the current reappraisal of her work in China. Reference will be made to the recent use of Zhang Ailing’s short stories as the inspiration for contemporary film and dance projects, such as Ang Lee’s 2007 film, Lust, Caution (with the Shanghai Film Studio) and the Reckless Moments-Sonic Dance Theater collaboration, Speaking Chinese with Hou Honglan (National Ballet of China soloist) and Zhu Jian’er (Shanghai Symphony Orchestra composer).
Along with a discussion of some of Zhang Ailing’s early 1940s short stories the panel will look at early music of the Shanghai composer Zhu Jian’er and how the creative team approached these two elements in this intercultural collaboration. Excerpts from Zhu Jian’er’s music will be played and Hou Honglan (National Ballet of China, Beijing) and C. Derrick Jones (Catch Me Bird, Los Angeles), together with choreographer Kim Epifano (Sonic Dance Theater, San Francisco) and dramaturge Barry Plews (Reckless Moments, Shanghai), will demonstrate some of the elements of the creation.
Contact Lynette Hunter for reservations at lhunter@ucdavis.edu.
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