Dance/martial arts/live-music  The Chinese choreographer Yang Liping thrilled audiences around the world in 1986 with her amazing “peacock dance” from ‘Spirit of the Peacock’. Now she is one of China’s most famous dancers. For ‘Under Siege’ she examines one of China’s most significant battles: the Battle of Gaixia, which sealed the rise of the Han Dynasty in 202 B.C. Also featured in the story ‘Farewell My Concubine’, this war between Xiang Yu and his opponent Liu Bang is part of literary, film, opera and musical history. Yang Liping stages it here with contemporary dancers, kung fu and tai chi fighters and live musicians. As well as the performers, the decor and costumes are also of the highest quality. Winner of the 2001 Oscar for Best Art Direction for his work on the martial arts film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, Tim Yip creates unforgettable images of hallucinatory beauty.

Produced by Yunnan Ying Liping Arts & Culture Co. Ltd. (China), co-produced with Kunming Municipal Ethnic Song and Dance Theater Company und China Central Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble.