Spectrum Dance Theater just sent out a press release saying its performances of The Miraculous Mandarin no longer have a home due to a sponsorship cancellation over the content of the show. I have a call in to Matthew Richter, but haven't been able to get his side of the story yet. As soon as I do, I will update here. Yes, this is the performance Brendan liked so much last night. I was looking forward to seeing it myself.

SEATTLE -Storefronts Seattle Program Director Matthew Richter withdrew program sponsorship of Spectrum Dance Theater's performances of The Miraculous Mandarin in the Bush Hotel. Richter cited dramatic sexual depictions and implied nudity as the reason for the withdrawal.

Without support from Storefronts Seattle, Spectrum Dance Theater must vacate the Bush Hotel. Performances for the remainder of the run are cancelled until further notice. Spectrum is seeking alternate venues.

The Miraculous Mandarin was to be presented in six performances May 17-19 & May 24-26, free of charge, in the windows of the Bush Hotel overlooking Hing Hay Park in the Chinatown-International District.

People who made seat reservations will be contacted about the cancellations and potential relocation of the performances. The related tour of the historic Freeman Hotel at the Wing Luke Museum on Saturday, May 19, will take place as planned.

Based on the ballet by composer Bela Bartók, which was repeatedly banned throughout the 20th century, The Miraculous Mandarin is a work that is for a mature audience, and is not intended for children. The performances were to take place from 8:30-9:20pm in Hing Hay Park, located in the Seattle's Chinatown-International District. An audience talkback with artistic director Donald Byrd and the performers was to take place following each performance.