Written by Jeremy Boo
-Part of the October issue of the EY Quarterly Newsletter

Relationships often harbour raging emotional turbulence that flings lovers into the depths of depression or the soaring heights of ecstasy. Albert Tiong explores these situations in Checkmate, a dance commissioned for Esplanade’s da:ns festival 2008. The dance choreographer who was also the Artist-in-Residence for this year’s festival tells us more about his work that attempted to “push the limits of agility.” 

What are your inspirations/motivations behind Checkmate?
Albert Tiong: I was inspired by a game of chess. I’ve always wondered what the real emotions of the two opponents playing the game were. On the surface, they seem calm but I’ve always been curious about their true states of mind beneath the veneers of calmness. At the same time, I also wonder about the chess pieces themselves. If they had emotions, what would they feel? That’s my starting point for this piece. 

Checkmate is a polarising situation in the game of chess. Why do you choose this situation to communicate the reality of relationships? When do you think a stalemate happens?
Albert Tiong: I am interested in exploring the extremes emotions of relationships. I personally think a stalemate happens when a relationship ends in failure. 

 You want to put across many intense emotions and feelings in your work. What do you want your audience to take with them after the dance?
Albert Tiong: I’m sure every person has gone through his or her own experience of being hurt in one way or another. For me, hypocrisy and betrayal are the most complex. The audience is free to take away whatever they want from experiencing the piece.

You can also find the interview on www.theurbanwire.com 

Tags:Da:ns 2008 EY Quarterly Newsletter October 2008 issue
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