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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Greener Grass

A green field on a summer’s day. The glassy, mournful melody of Saint-Saën’s “Aquarium,” from The Carnival of the Animals. A handful of women in blue worksuits, positioned strangely in the landscape. So begins Greener Grass, choreographed by the award-wining director Jie-Hung Connie Shiau. This filmed dance takes on the issue of China’s “re-education camps,” set up for minorities such as the Uyghurs and Kazakhs, among others. Shiau explores the discomfort and powerlessness of those inside, innocent prisoners subject to re-programming. The 34-minute dance is available to stream online at the Hubbard Street Dance website, and is followed by a Q&A with the choreographer, videographer, and composer. —Ariella Paradise

Jie-Hung Connie Shiau, “Greener Grass,” Photo courtesy of Hubbard Street Marketing.