Sàng Tsáu

Part of the Hsu Chen Wei Dance Company’s European tour Sàng Tsáu is a contemporary dance piece inspired by Taiwan’s ‘Farewell to the Deities’ – or ‘Sending off the Gods’ – ritual that takes place at the end of Taoist ceremonies. As a ‘ceremonial act of closure and reverence’ the service expresses respect and gratitude to the deities for their decent from their divine realms and serves to ensure the blessings asked of them remain once they reascend. Sàng Tsáu takes this culturally significant ritual and transforms it into an evocative, highly spiritual performance to share with the world.

Two dancers, one in green (Chan Chi-Cheng) and one in yellow (Tseng Hsiang-Fu) captivate as the Tiger and Snake gods respectively. Both dancers display phenomenal muscle control, especially during the slower movements (and the transitions between tempos), and demonstrate incredible technical ability within both the more traditional as well as in the more contemporary styles seamlessly transitioning between the two.

The differences between Chi-Cheng and Hsiang-Fu’s centres of gravity and ways of moving through the space serve to further delineate their separate roles and the natures of the deities they represent without becoming discordant or clashing. The power and gravitas with which Tiger hold himself highlights his role as a guardian and protector while Snake’s weightless fluidity seamlessly illustrates hers as a symbol of love and benevolence.

The performance could be helped with a clearer delineation between the first and second half as there was some confusion about if the piece had ended and as such it was something of a pleasant surprise when the dancers returned to the stage. As it turns out this is probably due to the fact that what is being staged at the FRINGE right now is an adaptation of a larger performance that goes beyond the 30 minute mark, includes 5 more dancers each representing another deity, and the addition of some interesting looking paper-craft and set design. As it stands this is stunning piece of dance theatre that I personally would never have known it was a scaled down version of a larger performance if I hadn’t spoken with the creative team after the show.

Sàng Tsáu is beautifully choreographed and skilfully performed; a must see for anyone curious about or interested in Taiwanese culture and I sincerely hope they’re able to return in the coming years with the whole ensemble to share what promises to be a truly magnificent performance!

Hsu Chen Wei Dance Company
《上造》Sàng Tsáu / 2022 | 許程崴製作舞團
許程崴製作舞團 (@hsuwallydance) • Instagram photos and videos

Further Reading:
Sàng Tsáu Program
Taoist Song Shen: Farewell to the Divine Beings
Taiwan Temple Rituals & Culture Decoded: A Guide to Soul Retrieval, Wealth Replenishment, and Tai Sui Pacification | Taiwan Temple Culture Network
A Complete Guide to Taiwanese Temple Rituals and Culture: From Basic Worship to Annual Festivals | Temple Culture in Taiwan

Company Manager
Ting-Yu Yu

Choreographer
Hsu Chen-Wei

Dramaturg
Wu Wei-Wei

Music Design
Lin Yi-Shuo

Dancers
Chan Chi-Cheng, Tseng Hsiang-Fu

Lighting Design
Ho Ting-Tsung

Costume Design
Chen Yi-Ting

Hair & Makeup
Fu Ariel

Attended 12th August
Edinburgh FRINGE: Venue 9
the Space @ Niddry St

Photos taken from Hsu Chen Wei Dance Company's facebook page