Dance of desire

The bawdy tale of an ancient Chinese Don Juan comes to life in a subversive dance drama that will debut in Hong Kong, Raymond Zhou reports.

When the often physical gesticulations and raw energies of modern dance meet a sensuous, almost erotic, subject matter, sparks will fly, maybe even an explosion will ensue that threatens to destroy conventions and blaze a new trail in artistic expression.

It occurred to Wang Yuanyuan around 2007-2008 to adapt Jin Ping Mei for the stage. The story is set in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and the novel appeared in the late Ming Dynasty (circa 1610), but the relentless pursuit of materialism (read: sex and money) resonates today more than ever.