Dance and comedy double bill explores British Chinese identity

A double bill of solo dance and one-man comedy exploring feminism, masculinity and stereotypes in British Chinese culture opened in London this week.

[File Photo: Sino.uk]

Project New Sun: Sinosynthesis features Julia Cheng’s solo dance piece Orlando Warrior and Chris Chan’s comedy show Gongs, Songs & Hong Kong Thongs. Following sold-out performances at the Southbank Centre’s China Changing Festival earlier this month, both performers took to the stage at Bethnal Green’s Rich Mix yesterday and will perform again tonight at London’s China Exchange.

Blending contemporary and street dance styles with traditional Chinese martial arts and live, original music, Orlando Warrior is a solo performance exploring the mythology of the gender-bending Orlando of the West, fused with the legend of Mulan of the East. Meanwhile, tongue-in-cheek Gongs, Songs & Hong Kong Thongs explores the “weird and wonderful quirks, attitudes and misconceptions found between British and Chinese cultures” through stand-up and songs written and performed by comedian, songwriter and West End actor Chris Chan.

The show is presented by Chinese Arts Space, an organization commissioning British Chinese and international artists working in the performing and visual arts fields to encourage transnational collaborations, showcase contemporary work and mentor the next generation of British Chinese cultural leaders.