sommerszene blog

During the discussion last night with choreographer and dancer Wen Hui
after the performance of Living Dance Studio, dance critic Helmut
Ploebst asked Wen Hui, „Do you receive subsidies from the government?“

Wen Hui looked perplexed „Subsidy? What is this?“

It wasn’t only a matter of language translation, but also a very
different approach to culture and performance. Unlike most western
dance companies, Living Dance Studio operates with no support from
their government. Their works reflect a distinct sense of honesty and
conviction. Film maker Wu Wenguang, who directs the Living Dance
Studio with Wen Hui, said that the company survives with support from
European countries and income from the performances that they tour
around the world.

Wen Hui said that the first years of the company were extremely
difficult – from 1994 to 1999. They received their first bit of
funding from Europe in 1999 and in 2005 established the CCD
Workstation, a center for independent artists in China. Their
creations, such as „Report on Giving Birth,“ seen last night at
Republic merge multiple mediums: movement, video, installation,
dialogue, and recorded conversations. Gripping, austere and
multifaceted, the piece is a testament to the talent of the artists as
well as their courage to examine stories that are often unheard.

Tomorrow night, Wednesday, they will perform their „Report on 37.8″ at
Republic.