Director Zhang Yimou launches conceptual show at Edinburgh Fringe

World
Europe

Renowned Chinese film director Zhang Yimou, who's also known for directing the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games, premiered his new conceptual performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Poster of "2047 Apologue" directed by renowned Chinese film director Zhang Yimou. /Xinhua Photo

Combining Chinese traditional arts and modern technology, the two-day "2047 Apologue" show jointly performed by Chinese artists and foreign studios, was sold out to around 2,000 audience.

Zhang delivered a video speech at the premiere, saying his new production was trying to touch on the question of "the relationship between human and technology, as well as the cultural collision and integration between China and the world, tradition and the future."

Poster (R) of "2047 Apologue" directed by renowed Chinese film director Zhang Yimou. /Xinhua Photo

"It is not only a show or a story," he said, "but more like a reflection on the puzzles that come with the rapid progression of technology."

The Chinese director said his inspiration stemmed from the hope that more children could spend less time on computers, and instead communicate more with family and friends.

A scene from "2047 Apologue" directed by renowed Chinese film director Zhang Yimou. /Sina Photo

One audience member praised the show's artistic expression, saying he was quite shocked and touched. "It uses a form I've never seen before."

"Apologue 2047" premiered at the Chinese Art and Culture Festival, which is organized under the framework of Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and is their first overseas run.

The show has plans to run in New York and Sydney later this year.

A scene from "2047 Apologue" directed by renowned Chinese film director Zhang Yimou. /Sina Photo

The Chinese Art and Culture Festival, organized by the Scotland-China Chamber of Commerce, has been held successfully for three consecutive years.

Song Jie, the chamber president, believes the overseas Chinese society can act as a bridge between China and other countries, helping to bring Chinese arts and culture to the global stage.

‍A scene from "2047 Apologue" directed by renowned Chinese film director Zhang Yimou. /Sina Photo

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the largest art festivals in the world, covering a wide range of works in drama, music, dance, and film and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

This year, the Fringe runs from Aug. 4 to 28, with more than 50,000 artists and performers bringing over 3,000 performances.

7947km

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency