In this U.S. premiere from China’s Yang Liping Contemporary Dance, the astonishing Under Siege portrays the climactic battle between the Chu and Han armies in 202 B.C., an epic struggle that changed the course of Chinese history. Celebrated choreographer Yang Liping employs martial arts, contemporary and Chinese folk dance, gymnastics, and hip-hop to stage her version of the age-old story of love, war, passion, and betrayal that has been passed down through generations. Tim Yip (Oscar winner for his production design of the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) creates an intensely beautiful visual landscape and costumes that complement Yang Liping’s melding of ancient traditions with modern sensibilities.

Under Siege photographs by DING Yi Jie.

Yang Liping Contemporary Dance: Yang Liping, chief choreographer and director. Tim Yip, visual director/set and costume design.

Images courtesy Lincoln Center.