Ritual

The Legend of Yuliang

I narrate my experience relating to balance and bipolar using a yellow dance umbrella.

Close up image of me with dance umbrella.

I discuss my connection with my merchant ancestor while spinning red Chinese dance handkerchiefs.

Another photo of me spinning dance handkerchiefs.

The refrigerator magnet poem on the altar, which audience members composed.

Premiered in September 2025 through Cannonball Festival, a hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, this interactive and experimental solo show takes the audience on a journey exploring family history, individual and folk spirituality, and co-creative ritual.

About a century ago, my father’s family, living in the rural Chinese village of Muwu, had its own religion, focused on worship of Yuliang. Due to Chinese Communism, the religion faded away. But who is Yuliang? And what is her message for us? Through a mixture of personal storytelling from me and group activities that anyone can join, the audience and I seek to rediscover Yuliang’s presence and gift so that we may all find something we need.

Each performance is different in structure and content, depending on chance and choices made by the audience. Woven into the storytelling are elements of Chinese music and folk dance. As part of the performance, the audience and I create an altar and practice rituals in order to connect the story of Yuliang to our own spiritual journeys. 

Archived Philly Fringe event info