Dance is the central focus of the entire STP theatrical production known as "Bone," which will make its North American premier in Montreal next May. Meanwhile, a video of "Bone" is being produced in Canada.

The theatrical work is about the relationship between nature and human beings. It presents scenes from prehistory to contemporary time.

"Bone" is an abstract symbol of time and history. According to choreographer Nadine Thouin, archaeologists usually discover some bones of creatures or human beings to infer facts about or define a time in history.

In some aspects, so-called "physical theatre" is similar to "multi-media theatre," said Jerry Snell, the musical director of the work. "Images are the true force of this physical theatre. People from different countries or backgrounds have different languages which might result in difficulty in communication. However through images we can understand each other much easily," said Jerry.

In fact, since he and Thouin founded STP in 1996 in Paris, the company has toured internationally, using physical theatre as a method of artistic expression that transcends language barriers and reaches a public of all origins, ethnic and cultural.

With an objective and in-depth analysis of current events, Snell and Thouin determined to bring to the stage, with clarity and simplicity, a profound reflection of the state of contemporary society.

Within minimalist decor, their creative process concentrates on the development of universal communication and themes.

"We want to create an energy aimed at the heart and mind and seek a return to the source of the artist," said Thouin.

Since its establishment, STP has performed and gone on the road with eight original productions, all of which mixed dance, physical theatre, live music, video and film. The troupe traveled to more than 34 cities in 20 countries.

Last year, STP's Asian tour with its theatrical production "Cash" won acclaim from the public and critics from Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, South Korea and China.

STP's sojourn in China inspired Thouin and Snell, plus the artists of the Beijing Modern Dance Company, to co-operate on "Bone."

"I sensed that we had something in common after seeing their performances and communicating with (Thouin and Snell) off stage," said Willy Tsao, artistic director of the Beijing Modern Dance Company. "We share many ideas and artistic visions which deserve cooperation," Tsao said.

He also pointed out that STP is very individual and the style is in-between the influences of the United States and Europe, the two important homes of contemporary and modern dance.

"Modern dance in China has been developing for more than a decade, but we are mainly influenced by the styles of the United States and some European countries. And now Canadian artists inspire our new vision," he said.

The Canadian artists also think highly of the cooperation.

"I fell in love with China when STP first toured here in 2000 and ever since I have always planned to do more work here and get more inspiration from the ancient Far Eastern country," said Thouin.

"Although we have different cultural backgrounds, speak different languages and have problems in communication, we have minds on the same level," she said.

Gaoyan Jinzi, principal dancer with the Beijing troupe, said: "In a state of half-understanding, Thouin and we dancers inspire each other and finally go inside each other's minds."

"Bone" will also feature a live band consisting of Snell (guitar), Canadian-Indian musician Ganesh Anandan (vocals, percussion and bamboo flute) and well-known Chinese jazz and rock musician Liang Heping (erhu and keyboard).

Chinese gong, drum and bamboo flute are also used in the music. Snell said he got some inspiration from Peking Opera.

"Wherever we tour to work, we add some local musical elements into our production, which makes the local audiences feel at home," Snell said.

(China Daily October 24, 2002)