Dance drama catalogs life and times of ancient sage

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Often referred to as "the Sage", the Chinese figure of Confucius has seen a range of artistic depictions throughout the ages. Nonetheless, a recent dance drama about the philosopher's life may be a first. "Confucius" is an adaptation by China's National Opera and Dance Drama Theater.

Confucius is an ancient figure, whose life story is millennia old, but this biographical adaptation is as fresh and modern as they come. Despite the rather dated subject matter, the enthusiastic audiences who are packing the halls to see "Confucius" are mostly in their twenties, and for some of these youngsters, seeing the stage show once is simply not enough.

The actor is performing a segment of the show. /Photo by Liu Haidong

"I've seen the dance drama nine times so far, and followed the show to many cities across China," said Chen Zhipu.

"I like the performance a lot and have got to know every leading performer. The actor Hu Yang who played Confucius at tonight's show was born in the 1990s but seems to be much more mature than his age. He is keen on traditional Chinese culture and is always learning. This resulted in his performance, which sometimes moved the audience to tears," Chen added.

But what makes this show so attractive to such young audiences? It could be the modern stage set or cutting-edge choreography. But most importantly, they said, it's that the adaptation brings Confucius - a staple figure of traditional Chinese belief - back to life.

The actor is performing a segment of the show. /Photo by Liu Haidong

It's a responsibility that cast members take seriously. Each of these performers is doing their best to illustrate how the ancient sage fought to bring wisdom and harmony to the often discordant society in which he lived.

"My body movements need to be very neat, instead of enchanting like other feminine roles," said Yu Yu, the actress who plays the imperial concubine in the show, "because the king's concubine I'm playing is rational and full of wisdom. I've been playing the role for six years, and, more and more, I feel not just that I am playing her, but rather, that I am her."

The show's success is not limited to the Chinese mainland. The past six years have seen the production win acclaim in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States and in many European countries too.

"The character of Confucius is well-known to people around the world. And we explain the figure through body language, which is universal. These two factors make cultural exchange easier when we present them abroad. Our foreign audiences really like dance drama," said Kong Dexin, the show's director.

The production is now showing at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing. It's the first stop on yet another domestic tour, only this time, a live band has been included, adding yet another fresh twist to a tried and true story.