Two cut-out figures cast their shadows on a curtain as part of the object and shadow performance, Guizhou en Marche. Photo taken June 5, 2014. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

The ancient Asian art of shadow play takes on new life under the direction of French artist Julie Peters Desteract. Her shadow theater project Guizhou en Marche (Guizhou Running) pushes traditional shadow art in new directions, using objects and people to contribute to the light and shadow effects.

At times, the results are mesmerizing; the use of light and shadow is always shifting in new directions, captivating the eyes and the imagination. However, the narrative behind the images (told in snippets of Chinese and English) doesn't compel in the same way. The story about a quest to find a beautiful coat in Guizhou needs more fleshing out in order to create tension and motives. Possibly the narrative thread is obscured by its non-linear structure or its partly translated discourse.

Live musical accompaniment plays well along with the visuals, adding a good deal to the feeling of the play. Desteract and her international and Chinese team of artists have created a unique theater experience which deserves to be seen, despite its flaws. At a preview performance Desteract was forthcoming about how the final performance would be quite different than the one that this reviewer saw, so it may well be that the wrinkles have already been smoothed out.

Guizhou en Marche will be showing in the intimate space of Zajia Lab this weekend only. It is part of the Croisements French cultural festival.

Time: June 7 and June 8, 20:30 Location: Zajia Lab, Doufuchi Hutong, 150 meters north of the drum and bell towers. Ticket price: free

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