《一》by Shian Law

Pronounced as yī, 一 is the horizontal stroke that represents number one in Chinese Han characters. Simply by adding a second horizontal stroke to the foundational mark, one becomes two: 二 èr.

Ideographically, 一 Yī precedes 人 rén, humankind. Above人 rén, a horizontal stroke forms 天 tīan, heaven; underneath 人 rén, the horizontal stroke forms 土tŭ, terra.

The Confucianist code that binds two people in all forms of social relations is 仁 rén, the virtue of compassion.

《一》is a new dance work by choreographer-auteur Shian Law. From their resistance to cultural atavism comes a stylish rendering of the artist’s autobiography and burning passion for calligraphy.

Set to a Sofia Coppola-esque soundtrack, from inscribing a singular line 一yī, the artist catapults their poetic musing on the uniqueness of life, Taoist cosmogony, Confucian humanistic philosophy, while deep diving among the cultural planktons of celebrity obsession (Lu Xianren, Balenciaga, etc.).

Experience the epicentre of experimental choreography at Temperance Hall this Melbourne Fringe Festival. If you’re hungry for more cutting-edge dance, we are offering 30% discounts on ticket-bundles. Book to see ‘Dunes Rolling Down Dunes’ by Benjamin Hurley and '《一》’ by Shian Law and use the promo code HOTSTUFF at the checkout.