Ode to Joy

EVENT DESCRIPTION

After the debut of the short work Ode to Joy in 2021, Director and Choreographer Justyne Li has refined the work to express completely different meanings on stage. Li explains, ‘This performance is about transformation. The past few years brought significant changes to the world, which has changed people. I then expanded on these imaginations.’

Interlacing the dance work is the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, ‘Ode to Joy’. The score begins with a soft, tranquil piece of music, before gradually ascending to the majestic chorus at the end. The lyrics were taken from a poem about happiness and fraternity, written by German poet Schiller in 1785. Despite Beethoven’s harsh living conditions, ranging from deafness to financial difficulties, he managed to compose this inspiring piece of music, firmly conveying his pursuits for peace, freedom, and happiness.

Aspects of classical times cast light on those of the contemporary era: the annual happiness rankings published around the world differ and fluctuate from time to time. The various emotions among the members in a society may also affect one another. Amid expeditious advances in science and technology, the transmission of all kinds of information and emotions has become faster and more direct. Is this bringing a good or bad impact on people’s pursuit for happiness?

The Invisible Struggle Between Technological Development and Human Autonomy Manifested Through Dance

Since the beginning of the 21st century, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has progressed at an unprecedented pace, and may even be on the verge of developing self-awareness. The divide between human and machine consciousness has begun to blur. Technology is even capable of taking the place of humans in thinking and decision-making. Li reflects on how the body utilises and contends technology, ‘Living in an era of technological explosion, everything moves too fast. With a mobile phone in hand, our brains can process information while our feet are still walking. Such disarray is a common phenomenon today, leaving the internal and external states in chaos.’

On stage, a dozen of dancers – CCDC dance artists and guest dancer Tanki Wong – will discover the potential of every part and joint of the body with exquisite movements. Under the interference of ‘external commands’, dance and consciousness gradually evolve into two extreme conditions, leading the audience into a futuristic imaginary world with a dance language beyond imagination.

When the flesh meets invisible mysterious scientific force, a battle for sovereignty is about to break out. To reveal the inextricable connection between human autonomy and the ever-evolving technology, choreographer and director Justyne Li will open the ‘Pandora’s Box’ of artificial intelligence for the audience, inviting them to enter the stage and search for the joy and fervency that marks the year 2024.

10-11.5.2024（Fri – Sat）8pm

12.5.2024（Sun）3pm