Flower Goddess of Tang Dynasty at Riverside Theatre

The dance drama Flower Goddesses of Tang Dynasty is a six-act drama performed by Sydney Chinese Dance Group with elaborate productions and intense rehearsals. The dance drama is based on the 52-chapter novel composed by the Australian Chinese writer Shan Luo, derived from the traditional myths and legends of China. The story which is based on myths and legends of the Tang Dynasty presents the long history, splendid culture and superb artistic expression of China, conveying people’s hope and pursuit of the true, the good, the beautiful and the better life.

The dance drama takes place in the Tang Dynasty; it presents to the audience a beautiful dream-like wonderland. Ten Flower Goddesses acquire human spirits after a millennium of cultivation on the Flower Island of Bai Hua Zhou through holy water and training. The gorgeous Flower Goddesses are thoroughly accomplished in lyre-playing, chess, calligraphy and painting. They are not only good at martial arts, but also have magic powers.

The emperor Tai Zong of the Tang Dynasty comes across the Flower Goddesses on the Flower Island in his dream. The Flower Goddesses then pay the emperor a return visit. Later, the Flower Goddesses help the emperor fight against the invaders from the north, the pirates from the east, the Yelang Kingdom from the west and the Stone Kingdom from the south. They protect the weak, heal the wounded, rescue the dying and annihilate the demons, revealing the glory of human nature and maternal brilliance.

The ten Flower Goddesses inherit many of the noble qualities, styles and features of Chinese women along with the spirit and characteristics of ancient Chinese heroes. Not only do they have the wisdom and beauty of the goddess, but they also have the ordinary human emotions of love and hate. There is much philosophy in the dialogues between the Flower Goddesses and famous poet Li Bai, painter Wu Daozi, and tea expert Lu Yu from the Tang Dynasty. The love scenes are beautiful and touching, and the war and martial arts scenes are breath-taking and heart-stirring.

The dance drama provides the audience infinite room for imagination, inspiration and hope. In the end, the emperor and his people look out at the Flower Island to thank the beautiful Flower Goddesses for their help in rescuing a girl from the village and annihilating the demons. The Dynasty has a great harvest and enjoys peace, while the people sing and dance to extol the good times of the Tang Dynasty.