This production features three original works, each with distinct meaning s and cultural influences, and styles.

The title work, Legend of The White Snake, is a brand-new original piece with live

music accompaniment by Chinese dulcimer musician Chao Tian. This work reimagines

the classic Chinese folktale, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Although set

during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor in the Qing Dynasty, the story has been

retold in various forms over the centuries, including novels, operas, shadow plays,

and movies. Our production puts a modern twist on this timeless love story, which

follows an ordinary boy who falls in love with a beautiful woman who becomes his

devoted wife. There’s only one catch: the beautiful and devoted wife is not human.

She is, in fact, a thousand-year-old snake that has acquired the ability to transform

into a human through centuries of Taoist training. With rich Chinese cultural

influences and a touch of modern dance, our choreographer, Shu-Chen, brings this

romantic story to life.

The second piece, Our Shifa is Us, is an intriguing contemporary dance by guest

choreographer Selin Su Boybeyi, a Turkish-American artist. *Shifa* in Arabic

translates to “cure” or “healing,” and the sentiment behind it offers comfort to those

who are unwell. Through this work, choreographer Selin explores the reality that, in

our daily lives, we inevitably encounter someone in need of healing—whether from

illness, trauma, pain, emotions, or past events. It’s crucial that we not only help and

comfort those in need but also have the courage to reach out for help when we

ourselves are in need.

The third piece, Insight, is an original work inspired by the quote, “When an old

person dies, a library burns down.” This powerful statement reminds us of the

immense wealth of knowledge and experience that older generations possess.

Through her choreography, Shu-Chen expresses the awakening message that we

should respect and care more for our seniors, appreciating all they have done to

shape the world that younger generations will inherit. We need to hear their stories

and learn their lessons so that we can benefit and grow from the wisdom they have

to share.

This production is supported by Virginia Commission for the Arts, ArtsFairfax, and National Endowment for the Arts.