Poster of Drama, Lu Xun
Blossoms
You might be curious to see how three Chinese and three
foreigners might interpret the roles of Kong Yiji and Xiang Linsao,
familiar names from the Chinese writer Lu Xun's dramatic works. You
might, for example, wonder how they might meet the requirement of
transforming themselves from humans to animals in a second. We can
tell you that Kong Yiji, and Xiang Linsao do indeed come alive, and
that their characters flourish on the stage of Beijing, starting
from today.
Physical theater Lu Xun Blossoms, the first even
Sino-Canadian theatrical co-production hit Beijing's People's Art
Theater this Wednesday. The project, presented by Canada Theatre's
Smith-Gilmour and the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, is based on 5
brilliant short stories by Lu Xun, considered by many as the father
of contemporary Chinese literature. The short stories include
Blessing ( Zhu Fu), Kong Yiji, A
Little Incident (Yijian Xiaoshi) .
Dean Gilmour, the director
of drama Lu Xun Blossoms.
Dean Gilmour, the director of the drama, says the most difficult
thing the team has encountered is communicating in two languages.
"The communication we are looking for is underneath the words, what
do we think of each other, what each person can do to tell the
story. If the communication is only about translating, then Chinese
actors will be passive, just waiting for the translation. We have
to search together. It's very difficult to find the connection."
However, it's performed in English and Chinese back and forth, but
with Chinese and English subtitles explaining everything.
The show has already premiered in Shanghai this May, receiving
very positive responses from its Chinese and foreign audiences. It
is considered to be a very important show for both Chinese and
foreigners, for making the world of Luxun, which is China,
accessible to foreigners, and it reminds Chinese of their culture
and their struggles. It's a bridge between
cultures.
The drama will last till this Sunday (June 10) in Beijing. It
will then tour to Hongkong, Macao, Guangzhou and Canada.
(CRI.cn June 6, 2007)
