Domy Reiter-Soffer

WHITE SNAKE

“ Underneath its cloak of contemporary artistic expression, the ballet

“White Snake” danced triumphantly by the Hong Kong Ballet, choreographed by Domy Reiter-Soffer still wears the understated lyricism and power of a ancient tale. Thus an air of unbridled freedom and dexterity infuses the production from its dancing spaces to its colourful inventive movement.
The ballet is danced to rock music by the famous Pink Floyd, Genesis, Malmesteen, Tangerine Dream, and instantly evokes excitement as well as provoke an immediate tension to this well-known Chinese Legend of love, betrayal to eventual triumph.
The role of Xian a heroic role on a large scale, danced by Liang Jing with lyricism and power, his technique was faultless as was his dramatic interpretation and dancing. Eriko Ochiai as the White Snake danced the role exceptionally well giving the character sensuality and a quality fit for a Chinese Opera heroin.
The exciting part of the whole production was Domy Reiter-Soffer's Theatrical inventiveness and choreography that depicted the tale in such manner that gave it an extraordinary look and power.
The whole Corps rose to the occasion giving this exciting and moving ballet the Universality and power that it deserves”.
( Wang Sui-Cheung-Beijing Dance Magazine).

“I was apprehensive about seeing a dance version of the famous Chinese Legend “White Snake” performed by the Hong Kong Ballet, but to my surprise the story was transformed into a Rock Ballet on a unprecedented scale and power. Choreographed and designed by Domy Reiter-Soffer in a Contemporary manner it gave the ballet a stark reality, an impact and most importantly validity and a place in the ballet repertoire.
The Role of the White Snake was movingly danced by Faye Leung with a great technical skill and dramatic ability, as was the role of Xian her lover danced by Nabuo Fujino with power and passion. There is much to admire about the way the ballet enfolds with three guitarists and a narrator (Gary Tam) move the action along seamlessly creating the different moods and setting up the scenes. Each of the minor characters were expertly choreographed giving endless possibilities for the dancers to express their role. Fa Hai (William Lin) danced the role of the high priest with conviction and power creating an impact rarely seen in theatre. As were the roles of Green snake (Ayako Fujioka) and the surprise of the evening was the Cameo role of Lau Sui-Ming as the Enforcer both giving intelligent performances and contributing greatly to the style of the ballet. One can write pages about this exciting ballet but to do it justice you need to see it. This daring interpretation was danced to an enthusiastic audience, which gave the company in the end a standing ovation”.
( Liang xiu-yun- Shanghai Daily)

“White Snake a Rock ballet performed by the Hong Kong Ballet last night at the Cultural Centre for the Millennium celebration, choreography and designs by Domy Reiter-Soffer, was danced to a great acclaim.
Who would have thought that it was possible to translate this very classical Chinese Opera Tale into dance? This Juxtaposition of Eastern and Western Cultures was infused in an interesting and exciting manner giving a contemporary life and legitimacy to the legend.
The stylized Décor and Costumes gave a sense of antiquity yet modern in its approach and with the help of three guitarists and narrator effectively move the action and scenes along seamlessly.
The white snake gave up her immortality for the love of Xian, encounters prejudice by the society that surrounds her and especially from the high priest of the temple Fa Hai who undermines her, convincing her husband Xian that his wife is evil, which leads to kidnapping and imprisonment but to eventual salvation.
Faye Leung interpretation of the role of the white snake was fantastic, her beautiful line and strong technique brought out the strange metamorphosis from a snake to a woman with conviction and bravura giving a dramatic and poignant performance. Nabuo Fujino as Xian danced the difficult role with power and romanticism, his last solo was strong and tragic leading to salvation. Their moving duets were magnificent full of invention and lyricism commanding the stage with compelling power. William Lin as Fa Hai gave a powerful and potent performance giving the role an authoritative impact, as were the other minor roles performed with skill and precision. The Corps danced as Villagers, Monks and several other roles with clarity and forcefulness enhancing the rhythm of the tale.
The Ballet White snake will in no doubt become as important as the legend and enhance the repertoire of the Hong Kong Ballet”.
(Ta Kung Pao- Daily News).

“Hong Kong Ballet's premiere of Domy Reiter-Soffer's “White Snake” was danced in the Cultural Centre last night for the Millennium centenary. A ballet based on the famous Chinese legend of the same name.
This well known Chinese Opera was transformed into a rock ballet in a daring interpretation and inventive choreographic feats that made the whole production exciting. The characters as well as the designs had a contemporary look with Chinese style that gave the ballet credibility.
Faye Leung as the White Snake danced the role with technical skill and lyricism, in the duets with Xian (Nabuo Fujino) were moving and outstanding. They both danced with compelling force and technical skill. The interesting roles of Three Rock Guitarist moved the action along with conviction and led the rest of the strong Corps to a triumphant end. White Snake was a symphony of the senses and no doubt a great success for the Hong Kong Ballet.”
(Lin Chou-yu- Beijing Times).