Bound/Unbound

︎ Aug, 2024

Bound/Unbound is a music and dance journey exploring the intertwined story of two important Chinese 19th century heroines, Afong Moy and Qiu Jin.

Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman exhibited in America in 1834, and Qiu Jin, a revolutionary who defied cultural norms to lead a movement for women’s rights, are portrayed in a visually rich narrative. Their stories are told through a seamless blend of opera, dance, and visual arts.


Bound/Unbound showcases some of the UK’s most dynamic Chinese cross-cultural performers. The event incorporates opera, dance and visual arts to intertwine the stories of Afong Moy and Qiu Jin through eight performers. This includes choreographer and dancer Yining Chen, a specialist in modern Chinese sword dance and percussionist Beibei Wang and Korean soprano soloist Haegee Lee, alongside a ‘string bonaza’ of musicians from the LSO. 

Bound/Unbound creates a vivid, multi-sensory experience. The visual design and stage installation plays a key role in uniting these elements, transforming their stories into a powerful, protest against the patriarchal world they sought to change.


LSO Official Page: https://www.lso.co.uk/whats-on/tangram-x-lso-bound-unbound/



Reviews

“This is a masterful telling of new writing about China’s history, realised with a deep-rooted originality that is provocative throughout. ”
——MorningStar

“Intoxicating overall mood ”
——The Stage



Credits

Directors: Alex Ho and Sun Keting 
Composers: Alex Ho and Sun Keting 
Soprano: Haegee Lee   
Choreographer: Yining Chen
Percussion: Beibei Wang
Visual Designers: Chang Meng and Ke Peng 
Musicians from London Symphony Orchestra
Writers: Xiaolu Guo, Alex Ho and Sun Keting 
Translator &Consultant: Yilin Wang Qiu Jin
Based on an original script by Xiaolu Guo
Photography : Mike Skelton
Special thanks to LSO production team

Co-produced by Tangram and the London Symphony Orchestra with support from the Bagri Foundation and Arts Council England

Visual Designs









Full Performance Video: