Inspired by the Eastern Wind
The 'unity of heaven and humanity' reinterpreted through a contemporary hiphop theatre lens.
Existing in six poetic spaces: Wind Rises; Stops; Reverses; Favours; Gusts; and Softens with a title referencing the legendary tale of the strategist Zhuge Liange ‘borrowing’ the eastern wind during the Battle of Red Cliffs (2nd century BC) and reinterpreting the concept of ‘tiān rén hé yī’ (the ‘unity of heaven and humanity’) Inspired by the Eastern Wind is an energetic dance piece with some truly powerful moments.
Utilising props such as bean bags and bin bag as well as multiple quick costume changes Inspired by the Eastern Wind invokes the class of a cocktail bar just as effectively as it does a street scene dance-off. The alternating tempos of the different ‘spaces’ mean insures that the audience never has a chance to zone out and keeps everyone engaged. The lighting and sound design add yet another dimension to the rhythm of the piece and transition seamlessly between the different segments.
Playing with timing, unity, contrast and synchronicity the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts has created an entertaining and engaging show utilising a mix of contemporary and street dance styles to adapt these bedrocks of traditional Chinese culture into a modern context through superb choreography brought to life by the passionate, amazingly skilled dancers of the Flow Dance Crew.
Attended 12th August 2025
Edinburgh FRINGE: Venue 53
Surgeon's Hall
May each person, through their journey, borrow their own east wind and ride it toward their aspirations.
Dancers:
Xu Yujie, Tu Keyi, Lan Bowen, Zhang Xinyi, Chen Fangyun, Liao Fan, Sun Caini, Zou Junhao, Wang Jiawen, Pang Guoqiang, Fan Jie, Chen Jie
Music Arrangement:
Zhao Yuhang, Tong Siyuan
Multimedia design:
Mu Jin, Li Ruihan
Multimedia production:
Hu Zhichao, Sheng Yucheng, Guo Ce, Zou Min, He Siqin
Lighting design:
Hu Jundong, Lin Yanwei
Visual design:
Zhang Jixing
Graphic design:
Liang Liang
Executive Producer:
Qiao Qian
Chief Planner:
Ma Linhong
Producer:
Yao Yao
Directors:
Rao Yuhong, Ye Zheng
Choreography Director:
Lily Chan
Styling Director:
Tao Yichen
Stage Manager:
Zheng Yuhan
On-site coordinator:
Zhao Yaqi
