At Chen Dance Center: Remembering Chinese Immigrants

H.T. Chen and Dancers will present two performances of their major dance/theater work 'South of Gold Mountain," a choreographic tribute to the thousands of Chinese immigrants who relocated to the U.S., many settling in southern states. 

Tickets: $15; $10 Students/Seniors. Available at the box office, or by calling 212-349-0438 to reserve in advance. Buy online here. 

Choreography by H.T. Chen and Dian Dong; Music by James Lo

Performers: Renouard Gee, Dian Dong, Kelly Butterworth, Ezra Goh, Sean Nederlof, Maki Shinagawa, Ari Someya, Keyasha Williams-Bailey, joined by children from Chen Dance Center school.

Photo at right by Joe Boniello. 

When: Two performances, May 13 & 14, 7 pm

Where: Chen Dance Center, 70 Mulberry St. (corner of Mulberry and Bayard Streets)

Background by Dian Dong:

In 1850, news of “The California Gold Rush” reached southern China beginning 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 before World War II. Associate Director Dian Dong and H.T. Chen traveled extensively for three years interviewing immigrants and descendants, collecting material that inspired this production. 

When researching and developing South Of Gold Mountain, H.T. Chen 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.  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.

More information at www.chendancecenter.org