介绍:
The Sophocles play Antigone is recognized as one of the most far-reaching plays of all time. Centering on the tragic struggle of the brave and determined Antigone, who defies the order of her uncle and buries the body of her brother, the drama raises some universal issues, such as power, gender, family obligation, ethics, and honor.
But when renowned director Luo Jinlin got his hands on this classical drama, he mixed it with Bangzi, a sonorous, vehement Chinese opera which originated in the 17th century.
"Among 370 or more kinds of traditional opera in China, the singing style of Bangzi is very loud and powerful. It provides tailor-made music for Greek tragedy. "
As one of the most celebrated Hellenists in China, Luo Jinlin started to perform a dozen ancient Greek dramas from the mid-1980s. Inspired by his Greek counterparts, he has become the first director in the country to fuse the oldest form of western theatre with traditional Chinese opera. From Oresteia to Medea, without demolishing the innate plot, structure and atmosphere of the original, he is able to apply something oriental flexibly.
The award-winning director describes his hybrid of the two art forms as being just like pouring milk into black coffee.
"If I pour milk into a cup of coffee and then stir the drink, could you tell the difference? They become inseparable. Greeks could find elements of western there, while Chinese people will take it as Chinese opera. All in all, my play is something completely new. "
During the ongoing 6th Theatre Olympics in Beijing, a four-yearly event that encourages cultural difference and theatrical exchange, the show has been enthralling local audiences with an impeccable blend of east and west. Accompanied by music composed for drum, clapper, Banhu and other Chinese stringed instruments, the performers all dress in traditional operatic costumes intonating the tunes and verses lyrically. Compared with the original play, the name of each character and the plot remain Greek; while the melody, rhythm, and scenes are very much Chinese.
As a member of the Beijing Hebei Bangzi Opera Troupe, award-winning actor Wang Yinghui plays the role of the prophet. According to him, since the performing style of Bangzi opera is a little bit flamboyant, modern elements have been introduced.
"For certain characters, we add some rhythms and recitations that belong to modern drama. We use theatrical language or modern mandarin to avoid the twist of tongue. "
Although the majority of the story is delivered by traditional singing, speaking, acting and acrobatic fighting in Chinese opera; from battle scenes to philosophic monologue, the solemnity of Greek drama is played out with carefully-crafted lyrics and fluid grace. Watching the mellow and natural performance of Chinese actors, viewers can vividly experience the overwhelming determination of Antigone when she faces the conflict between the law of man and the law of God; the family love and loyalty among the House of Thebes; and the ultimate desperation of Creon when his stubbornness and lust for power lead to the doom of his loved ones.
Audiences can find the common ground of ancient Greek tragedy and Chinese opera.
"The show is totally amazing! First of all, the singing of those performers is really soul-stirring. Thanks to the introduction, subtitles and the performances, I don't feel any awkwardness of this adaptation at all. "
"What an excellent show! Chinese opera is the quintessence of Chinese culture. I believe in the future, we should adapt more western works into Chinese opera, such as Shakespearean plays and literary classics. Not only will it help to popularize and promote Chinese opera, but also help to enrich content, which is kind of monotonous right now."
"I am a student from the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts. Honestly, I have watched Chinese opera adaptations of Greek plays before. We start to explore it a long time ago, but in recent years, those adaptations become more focused on the discussion of humanity, which is exactly western theatre all about. I like it. I think it sheds a new light on Chinese opera. "
As for the creator behind this captivating show, 79-year-old director Luo Jinlin admits that he is not going to stop here. Performed by Beijing Hebei Bangzi Opera Troupe, the play will be showcased around universities in Beijing in the near future.
For Studio Plus, this is Li Ningjing.
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