Latest News:  
Beijing   Sunny/Cloudy    16 / 6 ℃  City Forecast

English>>Life & Culture

Mysterious Chinese arts (7)

By Mu Fangzhou (CNTV)

08:59, November 12, 2012

Silk Road and Flower Rain (PD Online)

When thinking about China's influence around the world many immediately think of business and manufacturing. But that's just one small piece in a much greater whole. As China's influence steadily expands around the globe, interest in the country's culture is growing in kind.

The treasures of China's theatrical arts are being taken abroad more often than ever. One of Chinese people's all-time Kunqu opera favourites, "The Peony Pavilion", has been introduced to western drama critics. The play now has several adaptations, including Taiwan playwright Pai Hsien-Yung's world acknowledged youth version, and a ballet version adapted by National Ballet of China. The dance performance packed the 9-hour long story into 2 hours, and has been performed on grand stages like the Edinburgh International Festival.

Jonathan Mills, Festival Director, Edinburgh Int'l Festival, said, "This is a perfect bridge between the UK and China. Because it is a fusion of western and Chinese dance, Kunqu, western instruments and traditional Chinese instruments, so it alone stands as a cultural bridge. A bridge that I think will speak very eloquently to European audiences, but it’s extremely representative of the very best of classical Chinese performing traditions."

Besides reinventing traditional hits, both independent artists and state-owned troupes are trying to showcase Chinese aesthetics while creating new material. Stage productions like "The Legend of Kung-fu", "The Charm of Dunhuang" and "My Dream" from China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe, have already impressed world-wide audiences, and go on tours regularly every year.

"Silk Road & Flower Rain" is another one of China’s latest drama exports. Gansu Song and Dance Theater teamed up with China Arts and Entertainment Group, a state-owned corporation, to launch "Image China". It was made in an effort to unite independent artists for a greater collective impact on the world’s theatre scene.

Zhang Yu, President & G.M., China Arts & Entertainment Group, said, "’Image China’ is a cultural brand started in 2009. We have promoted dozens of outstanding Chinese stage performances to mainstream theaters in Europe, America and Oceania, and we are confident that it will be welcomed by American audiences. We also hope that ’Silk Road’ can survive a space in the competition in the US and become a successful commercial show. "

And there’s still much more to be done. A reform to boost China’s cultural industries is also underway, encouraging art groups to further collaborate with foreign counterparts, blending Chinese and western aesthetics on the stage.

For the artists, it may be a daunting task to step out of their comfort zones and try to connect with an international audience. But they’re stepping up their game, not only competing in the fierce global theatre market; they’re also sharing their love of Chinese culture with the world’s contemporary art scene.

Recommendations:
News we recommend

Odd

Travel

Sports

Beauty of the earth

How many 'Anna Karenina 'lost in marriage

Grow up with your pets

Exercises for the second trimester of pregnancy

World's famous destinations for budget travel

Top 8 November destinations in China





�1� �2� �3� �4� �5� �6� �7�

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:高奕楠、叶欣)

Related Reading

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. Devil training of PLA

  2. Weekly review of military photos

  3. Most expensive diamonds in the world

  4. Shanxi's grain production to hit record high

  5. Heavy snowfall hits N China's Hohhot

  6. Taobao bonanza breaks records

  7. Shanghai Int'l Puppet Festival opens

  8. Subway Sex Crimes—Who’s at Fault?

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. Growth of for-profit hospitals should be limited
  2. Mahjong: to protect or to crack down?
  3. Commertary: Finding a dynamic balance
  4. Central bank to use more open-market operation
  5. Commentary: Have confidence in China
  6. Chicagoans await election with mixed feelings
  7. Confident beginning paves way for happy marriage
  8. How many 'Anna Kareninas' lost in marriage
  9. 'Summer Palace' not labeled as speculations
  10. Govt still needs hand in rare earths

What’s happening in China

Beijing experiences windy weather, temperature drop

  1. City unlocks restrooms for public
  2. 'Grid system' ensures well-being of the elderly
  3. China sees fewer accident deaths in 10 months
  4. Singles declare love ... for online shopping
  5. More blizzards expected in NE China