Location:
U of M Rarig Center Proscenium
330 21st Ave S.
Mpls, MN 55424

Casting in Aug 8 - 5:30pm , Aug 9 - 7pm, Aug 11 - 7pm, Aug 13 - 5:30pm, & Aug 14 - 1pm

Longing for Qeej is a Hmong dance drama, interweaving a series of acrobatic movements and dances to portray the origin of Qeej (pronounced as “khang”).




Qeej is a mouth organ with six bamboo pipes of different lengths attached to a wooden air chamber. Long ago, there was Sinsay, a great warrior, if Sinsay won a challenge, his prize was to marry one beautiful woman from that kingdom. Eventually, Sinsay conquered 7 kingdoms with 7 wives and enjoyed 7 celebrations.




The God of Heaven decided to have a grand festival to honor Sinsay. All 7 wives arrived, found out each other, all shouted, "He's my husband!" The God of Heaven then told the women, "If all 7 of you say that each of you are his wife, then each of you must go and make something so that when all seven parts are put together into one, words will come out of it.” So each of them went off to make something, and all came back with different length of pipes. The seven pipes were put together, becoming one instrument-Qeej and when it was blown, the words came out. And the God of Heaven declared that all of the women were Sinsay's true wives. Therefore, the Qeej has become the symbol of the Hmong culture. MN Sunshine will present the century-old story with dances, weaving in with narration and multi-media effect, creating a seamless cultural conversation from Ancient Asia to Modern America.




Qeej is a special HMONG CULTURAL ICON, Hmong people believe through Qeej - using of rhythm, tone, and melody the relationship between the natural and supernatural worlds can be explored. Qeej is not just the music instrument, but combining with movements to support the ritual ceremony. When playing, the musician has to perform the mandatory steps, which include spinning (to confuse evil spirits) and larger circular patterns (which indicate the journey on horseback of the soul).

This authentic Dance Drama - Longing for Qeej - utilizes narration and multi-media, interweaving acrobatics and traditional Hmong Dances, to re-tell the mystery. The Choreographer Mai Vang adapts the tradition, incorporates with graceful dance movements and enhances with group formations to honor the Qeej. The dance troupe - MN Sunshine has long history of winning the 1st place titles at Hmong New Year Dance Competition. They are famous with their explosive physical capabilities along with beautiful costume, and refreshing Asian music.
This is their first effort to put a retrospective of their award winning dances from the past 10 years together in one show. Famous dances include: Bamboo Dance, Sun Dance, Mermaid Dance, Peacock Dance, & Water Bucket Dance. This is THE performance you don't want to miss!

Hmong Heros Dance Group
Role: Performing to Warriors, and Happy New Year dances.
Rocky Lee, Xuefeng Lee, Cheemeng Lee, Nevin Lor, Garrett Sour, Maynou Yang, Suriya Yang, Tilly Yang, Yangchee Yang, John Xiong, and Tus Fwv Lee

MN Sunshine Dance Group
Role: Performing to Sun dance, Peacock, Water Bucket, Bollywood, and Welcoming and Blessing dances.
Jennie Vang, Mickie Vang, Lillian Vang, Pa Saema Vang, Mailia Xiong, Pa Xiong, Kia Xiong, See Xiong, Zaoie Xiong, Nouqouja Yang, Jessica Yang, Tshia Lee, Lilly Yang, Manida Yang, and Wendy Yang

Ocean Deance Group
Role: Performing to Bamboo, Mermaid, and Qeej dances.
Angela Lee, Nancy Lee, Aeola Lu, Nancy Thor, Stacy Vue, PaChoua Yang, Serenity Yang, Gao Xeng Vue, Adriunna Yang, Jaylene Yang, Bella Yang, Pa Chia Moua, Pia Moua, Lucy Vang, Nickie Xiong, Pa Jai Xiong, Pa Chia Xiong, Pa Zao Vang, Karen Yang, and Elizabeth Vang

Rainbow Dance Group
Role: Performing to the Flower dance.
Pa Zao Vang, Pa Jai Xiong, Pa Chia Xiong, Pa Qa Zi Xiong, Gao Zoo Vang, Annidda Vang, Mykheala Xiong, Sonnaly Vang, Mindy Vang, Kiliag Lor, Lucy Xiong, and Dorthy Xiong

Teng Li and Zou Mei
Role: Performers
Acrobatic Artists from China National Acrobatic Troupe.

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Beautiful artistry
by Kenneth Hanf Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Visually captivating. The costumes were stunning. The acrobatics were impressive from these young performers.

The choreography and synchronization were fairly well executed. The music needed turned down a couple hundred decibels. The narration could have been better written for a smoother presentation of the story.

Colorful and fun, indeed
by Martha Hardy Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
We very much enjoyed this. Beautiful costumes, intricate choreography, the cast of thousands ranging in age from very young (5 years old?) to adult, the tumbling all made a very entertaining hour.

I am puzzled that they didn't provide the narration in Hmong as well as English. It seems like an odd choice given the number of Hmong people in the audience.

Delightful
by Will Weisert Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
A wonderfully energetic group of young performers, great costuming, and well conceived choreography - what's not to like?

Bollywood bling
by Richard Jackson Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This is a visually beautiful show with a huge cast of youngsters. Recommended.

Welcome diversity
by Nanette Stearns Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I enjoyed watching this taste of another culture at the Fringe this year. A beautiful, dramatic, inspiring display of Hmong story-telling through dance. Very talented young people showing amazing athleticism, grace and beauty. Recommended for all ages.

Amazing!
by Steve Schmitz Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Through dance, they told a beautiful story/legend that is central to Hmong culture. The costumes and music were absolutely beautiful. The kids were adorable and extremely talented. I couldn't believe those kids (from maybe 4 to 17?) could remember all those dance moves and do it so together. A wonderful experience and great exploration into another culture.

I am beautiful and I am Asian American
by Nick & Rosie Heille Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Glitter. Disaplined. Athletic. A fantastic fusion of Asian culture from both today and yesterday. It is a production that recognizes the vitality of traditonal music with contemporary arrangements of the music. One is impressed with the beauty that is our American Asian tradtion.

Extravaganza!!!
by David Trudeau Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Huge young energetic cast from five different Hmong dance companies, brilliantly costumed, perform this folklore extravaganza with gusto and charm. I can only guess at the hours of rehearsal and cost of the costumes, but its big. My four year old granddaughter was entranced, riveted to the stage for an hour, as were her grandparents. What could make it better is an onstage character with some stagecraft ability telling this mythic story of the Hmong people and seamlessly weaving the scenes together, rather than the hard to understand off stage voice reading it.

Colorful and Fun!
by Mark Long Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Wonderful dancers fill the stage with great dancing in beautiful, colorful outfits.
This is a wonderful change of pace from the standard Fringe schedule.
Try it!

Hmong Bollywood
by John Munger Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
If you’re imagining that a Hmong dance troupe will deliver a cultural experience you’re exactly right. But be advised that it’s not village-traditional Hmong folkdance. It’s 2011 Hmong-American contemporary. The huge cast is mostly kids. They have serious training, and they’re very effective for their ages. It’s an energetic and charming show. There is, unfortunately, a sameness throughout. Large group casts change and fabulous costumes change, but the energy level and the flavor of the movement is relentless Bollywood, Traditional hand gestures mix with supple and jazzy torsos. Music is international. Welcome to 2011. There is supposedly a plot about a heroic warrior, but he hardly appears at all. It’s just a frame-excuse for a bunch of flashy dances. If you are a person who prefers watching costumes in motion rather than nuances of dance, this is the show for you.

Wow!
by Deb Gunther Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Beautiful dance, astonishing costumes, impressive athleticism. I was frankly amazed at the young age of some of the performers, and the professionalism with which they performed.
Go see it.

So Sparkly!
by Sophie Kerman Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Yeah, there were some technical issues and a couple of prop mishaps the night I saw it. Also, there's not much of a plot.

Those two things would kill a rating for most Fringe shows. But not this one! You don't go to a show like this for the technique - which, by the way, is sometimes really astounding. You go because it is so much fun to look at! The dances, almost all impressively-synchronized ensemble pieces, come to life with acrobatics and costumes that sparkle in the light. The kids are adorable and the older dancers are really talented. After one dance where every single performer was onstage, the audience burst into thunderous applause - quite a feat with less than 30 people watching. Go! Give this group some much-deserved support!

Beautiful Show!
by Steve Lu Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I will come right out and state that I am familiar with these dancers and know a few on a personal basis, yet I have never seen them do a complete show with so many dance numbers back-to-back until this Fringe show! And they never cease to amaze. Every time I watch them, they are energetic and together as they dance. Even in all those glamorous costumes, they can still pull off those acrobatics. Amazing!
In this show, the stage just bursts with colors! What a treat for the eyes! Echoing what others have said here, GO SEE THIS SHOW! You will come away happy and smiling.

Spectacular and Impressive
by Bill McTeer Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
There are 60(!!) dancers in this show, ranging from 6 to sdult, with colorful and constantly changing costumes. The thin storyline of a warrior who conquered seven kingdoms is just an excuse for dance numbers. See this show for synchronized asian dance! See it for the look and sound, which is like nothing else in the Fringe this year! See it for the cute kids!

If possible, sit toward the front of the house. You'll get a better view of what is going on and the dancers will enjoy seeing you in the audience and hearing you applaud.

Stunning beauty, great culture
by Suzanne Sharrock Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
We saw this on its opening night. It is culturally transporting in a visually beautiful, very artistically choreographed, and amazing manner. Just the logistical complexity of at least 60+ characters (many young). PLEASE PLEASE SEE THIS SHOW - You will love it! (I'm just your basic Caucasion female. I'd give it 6 kitties if it were possible. Only 20+ in the audience the first night - come on, people, this is what the Fringe is for. You will not be disappointed!

Delightful Dance and Spirit
by Dixie Treichel Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
This piece is really a delight to watch and includes a live narrator. All of the young dancers truly seemed to be present and feeling the spirit of Qeej. The costumes were beautiful and an interesting mix of music was used. I personally would have liked to hear more music on the Qeej since I think it is a beautiful instrument.
I would also like to hear the music edited a bit cleaner but besides that this is a fun and educational show for all ages.

A Feast for the Eyes!
by Patrick Pfundstein Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
"Longing for Qeej" purports to tell the story of Sinsay, a great warrior, but mostly (until the end when the pieces literally come together) this is just a chance to put on several dance numbers in spectacular costumes. I enjoyed most of the numbers, but the festival in particular concluded in pure magic (and from the smiles on the kids faces, they knew it)! My main gripes are that the recorded music is played too loud (by about 25%), and that not enough people were there to see a great show. Hopefully "Longing" finds the audience it deserves over the rest of the Fringe!

Great Colorful Show
by Svetlana Romashkov Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Great show for everyone in the family. Very energetic dancing in amazing, bright, colorful costumes, the dancers were all synchronized, even the little ones. I especially liked the acrobatic parts of the show. I was amazed how every dance had its own storyline.Overall, wonderful show.

I was surprised and impressed
by Alex Romashkov Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Even their folk style costumes deserve seeing, while the show itself is excellently set, well rehearsed and represent the culture at it's best. If you have an interest in folk culture or just like colorful unusual dancing and music with an epic though humorous story background I would highly recommend it - it is really amazing.

What a great show and cast
by Nien Tzu Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I was so impressed by this play - the beautiful costumes, unconventional choreography, but most importantly the most enthusiastic young dancers I have ever encountered. My favored dance is the last Qeej dance, which truly fascinating.

This play is about Hmong folktale of the original of Qeej. SenXai conquered one kingdom after another, each kingdom rewarded him with a beautiful young wife. Eventually, he married 7 wives, and the God of Heaven testing them to ask each wife to make something, and when all put together, it would make sounds. And they all made a pipe and put together became the instrument - Qeej, and the words came out of it, and carried on the Hmong traditions since.

Very interesting plot, yeh :) come to see it yourself.

Experience a culture in transition
by Kathryn C Johnson Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
A cast of dozens (maybe scores) of young Hmong-American dancers and acrobats perform in amazing costumes to music that comes from China, Thailand, Bollywood, and who knows where else? A dazzling spectacle, this show lacks a compelling storyline and a dramatic arc (by Western standards). That said, it was a once-in-lifetime chance to see the language of hands, the arc of head and neck, as ways to communicate with the gods.

Storytelling & Dance
by Tristine Miller Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
This talented troupe of young dancers share their culture through dance, which is mixed with storytelling and music. The costumes are vivid on stage and I am amazed that they can pull off the acrobatics with such ornate accessories. You can tell these kids love what they do...all 60+ of them!