Chinese dance drama "Confucius" staged as closing performance of Meet in Beijing Art Festival

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A grand Chinese dance drama "Confucius" has been staged at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center as the closing performance of the "Meet in Beijing" Art Festival.

The large-scale original show by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater is based on Confucius' long journey around the kingdoms of north-east and central China to expound on his political beliefs some 2,500 years ago.

"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," says Kong Dexin, director of “Confucius”.

The dance drama "Confucius" /Photo provided by China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre

Confucius stands as a philosophical giant among the Chinese people. His teachings and maxims have served as a moral compass for many through the ages.

"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," says Yang Siyu, the actor who plays Confucius.

"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".

"Since 2014, the show has traveled 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," says director Kong.

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 taken part in more than 130 performances and activities at this year's event.