Behind the Curtain: A musical take on Chinese classic 'Dream of the Red Chamber'

The timeless world of "Dream of the Red Chamber," filled with poetic beauty and tragic love, has been reimagined for the stage in the original musical "The Story of the Stone."

Inspired by the 18th-century literary masterpiece, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, the show offers a contemporary interpretation of the rise and fall of an aristocratic family, while staying true to the novel's emotional core.

"Dream of the Red Chamber is universal," said Gao Ruijia, director of the musical. "I don't think it's as hard to understand as people think."

The director believes the challenge lies in the fact that everyone perceives it differently, but the beauty is that everyone can feel something from it. Cultures may differ, but people are people, Chinese or foreign.  

"If we can amplify those emotions and help people feel them, they'll also come to understand the cultural depth behind them," he said.

The musical is told from the perspective of Jia Baoyu, the novel's central character. "A mischievous stone, enchanted by the mortal world, decides to journey through it," Gao explained. "It takes refuge in Baoyu's body and experiences the world through his eyes."

Blending Chinese opera and musical theater

For Zhang Ze, the musical theater actor in the lead role of Jia Baoyu, drawing from his thespian roots was key. Raised in a traditional Chinese opera environment, with his mother being a Yu Opera artist, Zhang naturally incorporated operatic elements into his role.

"There are a lot of traditional opera elements in this musical," Zhang said. "Since we have chosen to bring in these traditional movements, it's important that we do them well."

He added that his approach to Baoyu's character borrows from opera's portrayal of the role.  

"In traditional Chinese opera, Baoyu is portrayed as a female role type, or Huadan. In this musical, I strive to incorporate a feminine perspective. There's a fluid, water-like softness in the body language."

"I've tried to find the delicate and tender side of him that helps the audience empathize with him," said the actor.

Innovative stage design

The production's stage design also reflects a balance between tradition and innovation. Gao described the set as abstract and poetic, centered around the concept of "trace."

"Think of a drop of water falling into a still pond. It ripples outward and then calms, but that drop has left its mark," he said. "The stage design opens with this imagery. The stage revolves in a circle, mirroring the story's ending, when you know your fate, and you return to where you started, would you choose to begin again?"

To highlight dramatic tension, Gao incorporated Western-style orchestration. "Musical theater requires conflict," he noted. "When the story's emotions intensify, we use more symphonic, Western elements to enhance the color and drama."

A bridge to young and global audiences

Beyond capturing the essence of "Dream of the Red Chamber," the creative team hopes to connect with younger and international audiences.

"I feel a quiet confidence about this show," Zhang said. "I think its visual style, stage design, movement and staging will appeal to international audiences. People everywhere are drawn to beauty."

Through these connections, the audiences would be willing to explore how to tell "Dream of the Red Chamber" through musical theater, he added.

"It's a win-win: we promote both the story and the art form."

The director echoed this sentiment, noting that "The Story of the Stone" is just the beginning.  

"Honestly, I feel really lucky to be able to work on 'Dream of the Red Chamber,'" said Gao. "Looking to the future, I believe we have many other classic Chinese stories that are just as suitable for musical adaptation. I hope to explore more of them on stage."

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Guo Meiping

Cinematographer: Chang Ruixiang

Cover image designer: Yu Peng