This contemporary dance work presents a parallel kinetic dimension to the exhibition A Tale of Wondering Wilds at the Alliance Française Gallery.

The Secret Room of Urban Bestiary contemplates a reality that is as surreal as it is increasingly likely: wildlife forced to adapt to the drastic ecological shifts of encroaching urbanisation.

In recent years, the rapid loss of natural habitats has driven wildlife into urban spaces. Clandestine ventures into densely populated residential areas have forced animals to adapt to anthropogenic environments—"shape-shifting" to seek refuge in unlikely urban structures, from drainage pipes and underground sewer systems to hidden crevices. The resulting human-wildlife conflict stands in stark contrast to ancient times, when fantastical beasts were met with reverence rather than tension.

The vision of phantom beasts navigating human habitats evokes a powerful emotional response to the catastrophic environmental changes of the Anthropocene era. Moved by the pathos of this irreversible bestial transmutation, choreographer Angela Liong draws reference from the medieval Bestiarum (Book of Beasts) and the ancient Chinese Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shān Hǎi Jīng 山海经). She originally created a virtual version of this work centred around entrapped beasts during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.

This newly redeveloped performance is retitled The Secret Room of Urban Bestiary. Working with her dancers—each embodying a half-human, half-beast avatar—Liong explores the primal instincts of creatures driven to pounce, run, and climb, even within confined urban spaces. This feeling of confinement is visually heightened as dancers perform within the narrow boundaries of yellow-bordered city traffic signage.

Ultimately, the emotions of loss and alienation captured in the dance mirror our collective sentiments in an uncertain modern world. We invite audiences of all ages to appreciate this modern collection of urban bestiaries—and perhaps find quiet solace to heal the fractures caused by the constant disruptions of urban life. ​​