editorial

In a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, Dongpo – Life in Poems was a captivating performance hosted at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, New York City this weekend. The show offered a profound exploration into the life and works of the legendary Chinese poet Su Dongpo. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I attended this show, but I was delighted to be transported into the enchanting world of classical Chinese poetry.

Su Shi (苏轼), whose art name is Su Dongpo (東坡) and whose courtesy name is Zizhan (子瞻) remains one of China’s most celebrated literary figures, renowned for his poetic mastery during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). His works continue to resonate across generations, inspiring countless artists, scholars, and writers worldwide.

Shen Wei was also inspired by Su Dongpo. His multifaceted talents as a choreographer, director, playwright, painter, set and costume designer, and visual effects art director, all come together to encapsulate the essence of Su Dongpo’s life and poetry through his unique style of contemporary operatic dance.

Central to the production’s immersive experience is the live guqin music by Zhao Xiaoxia, which serves as a poignant backdrop to Shen Wei’s choreography. The guqin, a traditional Chinese instrument, evokes the spirit of ancient China, enriching the performance with its melodies and emotive resonance.

Collaborating with a stellar creative team further elevates Shen Wei’s artistic vision. Chinese-French composer Chen Qigang, renowned for his work on the 2008 Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony, brings a unique fusion of Eastern and Western musical influences to the production. Xiao Lihe’s expertise as a lighting designer, honed through education at the prestigious David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, infuses the stage with atmospheric lighting that enhances the emotional depth of Shen Wei’s choreography.

At Dongpo – Life in Poems, Su Dongpo’s poetry was brought to life through a dynamic fusion of music, dance, art, and theater. Audiences can expect a mesmerizing journey through the poet’s life, as his timeless verses are interwoven with captivating choreography and evocative melodies.

Dongpo – Life in Poems is not just a theatrical production; it is a celebration of cultural heritage and artistic expression. Through the medium of performance art, the audience explores themes of love, longing, nature, and the human condition.

As the world continues to embrace cultural exchange and appreciation, Dongpo – Life in Poems serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and connect people across time and space. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast, fan of dance choreography, or have an interest in Chinese history, this show will be a great experience for you.

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Wow… I can’t believe it’s been so long! The last time I participated in Lolita Blog Carnival was in January 2017. It’s been over 3 years. I used to tag my blog posts as “LBC” but it’s been so long that I don’t know if my readers will remember what LBC is.

This week’s prompt is “Share Your Oddest Experience You’ve Had While Wearing Lolita.”

The oddest experience I had while wearing lolita occurred at a lolita meetup I hosted at a local mall. It was a small and casual meetup: I can’t remember the exact number, but I believe there were 4 or 5 of us hanging out. We were just walking around the mall and window shopping. However, we were stopped by security: security staff claimed we could not dress in this manner because we could be hiding weapons under our poofy skirts.

I think we got singled out because we dressed differently. Weapons could be hidden in a jacket, in pockets, even in your shoes. We didn’t want to cause a scene, so we simply left the mall at that point.

Getting singled out due to the way I dress happens a lot, but this experience was definitely the oddest one. I’ve been to the mall in lolita fashion at other times, and security has only stopped me to ask why I’m dressed like this, but they don’t claim that it’s a hazard or that they’re suspicious of me hiding weapons. They’re either suspicious of me taking photos since photoshoots aren’t allowed in the mall, or they are wondering if I’m performing in a local play or participating in an art event.

I recall that once someone claimed my outfit was a fire hazard. This was not at a mall though; it was at a café. I was seated at the time and I don’t understand how it could possibly be a fire hazard (and it was also odd that no one claimed it was a fire hazard until after I finished eating my meal).

I’m sure other lolitas can relate: when we wear lolita out in public, we generally get a lot of stares, whispers, and unwanted attention. I have lost count of how many times people called me “Bo Peep” in a derogatory manner. And I also lost count of how many times people took photos of me without asking for permission. Street harassment happens regularly as well, although this happens regardless of what I wear. I’ve also been catcalled when I’m just wearing jeans and a sweatshirt (and no makeup at all). It’s sad how many people are disrespectful. At a local meetup, a passerby even spat on one of the attendees when we were walking down the sidewalk. Another time, when I was wearing lolita alone at the mall, someone purposely spilled soda on me in the food court. It was terrible.

Image may contain: 1 person, indoor — At the Met in NYC! Photo by h1sphoto

If you see someone dressed differently, kindly be respectful. When people ask, I don’t mind posing for a photo. I also don’t mind explaining what lolita fashion is to those who are genuinely curious. In my own experience, I’ve had the best reactions to wearing lolita fashion at museums. Museums are where I get the most respectful questions, as well as people complimenting what I’m wearing. Sometimes, people think it’s a costume or I’m cosplaying, and I explain that it’s alternative fashion and not a costume.

Even if you’re not participating in the carnival, I’d love to hear your oddest experience while wearing lolita in the comments. Feel free to share your own stories!

Check out the other blog posts for the Lolita Blog Carnival!