Meet in Beijing: Chinese dance drama 'Confucius' staged as closing performance

World
Europe

02:49

A grand Chinese dance drama "Confucius" has been staged at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, as the closing performance of the 18th "Meet in Beijing" Art Festival. The dance drama tells the story of the journeys of the immortal sage. Ding Siyue has more.

The enduring legacy of ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius told through dance. The large-scale original show by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater is based some 25-hundred years ago, where Confucius took a long journey around the kingdoms of north-east and central China, to expound on his political beliefs.

KONG DEXIN, DIRECTOR "CONFUCIUS" "I'm a descendant of Confucius and I'm very honored to have the chance to choreograph and direct this dance drama. Our audiences are very familiar with his figure as a sage, but I want to show his experience and feelings as a person."

Confucius stands as a philosophical giant among the Chinese people. And his teachings and maxims have served them as a moral compass through the ages.

YANG SIYU, ACTOR "CONFUCIUS" "It's quite difficult to play this role. What we learnt about him mostly came from books and statues, but I want to bring this character into the hearts of our audiences. I want to show all of his feelings, his joys and sorrows."

"Confucius" has seen soaring popularity since its debut in 2013. It has toured dozens of countries and been praised as the "name card of Chinese culture".

KONG DEXIN, DIRECTOR "CONFUCIUS" "Since 2014, the show has travelled to many countries just as Confucius did. And I can feel foreign audiences' love for Chinese culture. I'm touched the dance is received well abroad. I feel proud the show can represent China on international stages."

The show is staged as the closing performance of "Meet in Beijing", one of the country's largest art festivals. Art troupes from nearly 20 countries and regions have been taken part in more than 130 performances and activities at this year's event.

DING SIYUE BEIJING "'Meet in Being' not only invites famous international artists to China, but also promotes outstanding Chinese works to the world. It serves as a platform for culture exchanges between China and the rest of the world. By presenting talented artists and extraordinary artworks to its audiences."