Dance oratorio “Ode to Nature” debuts for American audience

World Today

Dance oratorio "Ode to Nature" debuts for American audience

An American audience received a visual dose Chinese philosophy – an unusual stage production is focusing on the Confucian virtues and the Taoist elements of nature.

CCTV America’s Hendrik Sybrandy reports the story.

At the University of Denver, actors and musicians prepare for an afternoon rehearsal of “Ode to Nature,” a dance oratorio that’s unlike anything they’ve seen or done before.

“This is the world premiere. Nobody has ever done this kind of combination before. So maybe I call it a piece of symphonic theater,” Dennis Law, producer-director of “Ode to Nature,” said.

Law, known for his elaborate stage productions, blended dance, art, elaborate costumes, instrumental soloists and a symphony orchestra for this one.

“Ode to Nature” tells the story of Blossom, a young musician who’s struck by cancer at age 17 and then uses the Confucian five virtues and the five Taoist forces to regain power over her life.

The show had a two-night run recently here in Denver and featured a host of performers from both the U.S. and China. Among them, Zhao Xiao Xia who played the seven string Guqin.