Walk-through lantern installation Into the Light keeps the Lunar New Year spirit glowing, February 18 to 20

Local artists draw on the legend of Nian, a sea-monster, for the imagery

Gateway Theatre presents Into the Light from February 18 to 20

DRAWING ON THE ancient tale of the sea-monster Nian, Hong-Kong-born, Vancouver multidisciplinary artist, Stephanie Wong and Richmond artist Marina Szijarto have created an immersive lantern installation at the Gateway Theatre.

Into the Light invites audiences to step inside the tale, guided by illuminated lanterns and bursts of sound, colour, and light, along the way learning how Lunar New Year rituals became a tradition.

According to the legend,on the eve of Lunar New Year, Nian came out of hiding and terrorized villagers for food, so they worked together to ward off the monster and the darkness with lanterns, loud noises, and bright light.

As audiences of all ages exit the immersive experience and step into the light inside Gateway Theatre’s lobby, they will be able to take direct part in the lantern-making tradition and hang their creation on the community display for all to see. Or the paper lantern kits can be taken home, to bring good luck into the home.

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