H.T. Chen and Dancers to Present SOUTH OF GOLD MOUNTAIN Encore, 5/13-14

Following their highly successful NYLA season last October, H.T. CHEN AND DANCERS will present two encore performances of their major dance/theater work 'SOUTH OF GOLD MOUNTAIN." H.T. Chen and Dian Dong have created an in-depth, extensively researched choreographic tribute to the thousands of Chinese immigrants who relocated to the U.S., many settling in southern states, who helped build the U.S. Two performances, May 13 & 14, 7 PM, at the Chen Dance Center, 70 Mulberry Street in NY's Chinatown (2nd floor of the building at the corner of Mulberry and Bayard Streets).

In 1850, news of "The California Gold Rush" reached southern China before most Americans had learned of it and thus began an exodus of 300,000 Chinese immigrants to "Gold Mountain." South Of Gold Mountain draws from rich oral histories, treasured images, official and private documentation of the first Chinese settlers lured to America by the promise of gold and a better life in the southern states before World War II," stated CDC's Artistic Director H.T. Chen, who has given poetic voice to Asians in America. In 2012, endorsed and encouraged by Chinese community heritage museums, and family associations in the US, Associate Director Dian Dong and Mr. Chenjourneyed extensively for three years throughout the southern states interviewing immigrants and descendants collecting material that inspired this invigorating and insightful production. The contemporary sound score blending traditional Chinese music with Deep South Blues is by James Lo.

"When researching and developing South Of Gold Mountain, H.T. found similarities between southern US communities and village life in China where people helped each other endure hardships and were deeply connected despite rural isolation," said Ms. Dong. "The Chinese helped build America by working on the southern railroads, levees, and plantations, and as grocers. In presenting this project, we want to memorialize our Chinese American history and our legacy with descendants now residing across the US as well as in the South. We want to share our celebration of our ancestors' accomplishments with those who are vaguely familiar with the facts of Chinese immigration or have no knowledge of them at all."

Forthcoming tour dates include Asia Society in Houston, TX, Williams College, in Williamstown, MA, and Hamilton College in Clinton, NY.