#SHOWBIZ: Dance takes flight with 'Birdy' at George Town Festival

New Straits Times

02-08-2025

A film called "Birdy" by Alan Parker ignited a passion in Taiwanese choreographer Lai Hung-Chung during his university days.
"The story of two young men returning from the Vietnam War — one of whom retreats into a psychological world where he believes he is a bird — left a lasting impression on me," Lai wrote in an email regarding the George Town Festival show, also titled "Birdy", set to run from Aug 9-10 at Dewan Sri Pulau Pinang.
"Its haunting imagery and its profound longing for freedom, escape and transcendence lingered deep in my heart," he added.
INNER STRUGGLES
Lai explained his enduring fascination: "I've always been fascinated by inner struggles, especially when 'freedom' is no longer about physical limitations but a psychological state. How do human relationships carry the weight of that contradiction, of imagining flight while being pulled down by reality? That tension between the spirit and the body became the seed for 'Birdy'."
The 'Taipei Times' has described Lai as one of the finest young choreographers working in Taiwan today.
Currently serving as artistic director of Hung Dance, which he founded in 2017, the thirty-something Lai began reimagining these ideas through the lens of his own cultural context.
"I found inspiration in the long pheasant feathers used in traditional Taiwanese opera, which originally symbolise status and authority," he said.
"In 'Birdy', I transformed them into symbols of the spirit: extensions of the mind, of yearning and liberation. This work became a bridge between a deeply personal artistic memory and the cultural identity I carry as a Taiwanese creator."
A HAPPY ACCIDENT
Lai initially trained as a performer, recalling his entry into dance as a "happy accident".
"I joined my school's dance club thinking it was for street dance, but it turned out to be everything from contemporary to classical. That unexpected detour led me to a teacher who saw potential in me and encouraged me to apply for a professional dance programme."
Lai realised early on that his true passion lay in creating, not just performing.
"By middle school, I was already choreographing for school events. By high school, I had started teaching, freelancing and choreographing professionally. These experiences shaped how I understand movement — not only through technique but through ideas, stories, and relationships.
"What excites me most is that moment in the theatre when everything comes together: a magical moment that quickens your heartbeat. Those moments often become the source of my creative drive."
AN EVOLVING PROCESS
"Birdy" has garnered significant praise since its debut in 2022, having been performed at festivals worldwide. The show seamlessly incorporates elements of tai-chi into contemporary dance forms.
Lai said "Birdy" will not only be performed in George Town but also in Spain and North America over the next two months.
He noted that the show has evolved: "While the core of the work remains the same, audiences can expect an even sharper, more refined performance. The dancers have grown tremendously, and we've made subtle structural adjustments to enhance the flow and clarity of the piece. We're excited to share this evolved version with Malaysian audiences."
Lai believes "Birdy" speaks to a profound human desire — "the longing to be seen and the urge to escape definitions".
ROOM FOR INTERPRETATION
He describes the physicality as "powerful yet poetic", with a soundscape that blends traditional Taiwanese opera instruments with contemporary electronic textures, offering a layered emotional experience.
"Audiences across cultures have told us they felt moved, even without understanding the language or cultural references. I think that's the magic of dance. It invites empathy without explanation. 'Birdy' doesn't give answers; it creates space for each person to dream their own version of flight."
"Birdy" is part of the GTF 2025 line-up under Isle to Isle 2025, an exchange platform connecting Penang and Taiwan.
Isle to Isle also features the "Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat" concert and a forum titled "And All That Jazz — Stories of Malaysia and Taiwan".
Other notable GTF events include "Between Light and Grey: A Double Bill of Puppetry", a poetic exploration of memory, identity, and human connection (Aug 9-10), and "A Travelling Artist's Diary", an exhibition showcasing never-before-seen works by Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson.