On April 29, the Sino-French cooperative dance drama "Journey to the West" creatively launched by the Wang Yabin Young Dancers Studio of the Beijing Dance Academy was performed at the Dance Theater of the Beijing Dance Academy. This is the first performance of the international version of the play, which will be followed by a world tour. The performance of the
dance drama "Journey to the West" is one of the exchange performance series activities for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Beijing Dance Academy. It is also a special presentation of the Spring of Sino-French Culture - the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. "Journey to the West" is adapted from the Chinese classic literary masterpiece "Journey to the West". It is directed and choreographed by young dancer Wang Yabin, and the famous French composer Laurent Pettigirard composed the musical symphony chapter in the play. Chinese and French artists started from different cultural backgrounds and integrated their respective artistic concepts on the stage.
Stills of "Journey to the West" Photo by Tasu
The dance drama constructs a circular structure and explores the world through Wukong's perspective. The old Wukong recalls his life in Huaguo Mountain, and a flood of past events comes to his mind. The play presents the classic storyline of the original work in Wukong's memories, and simultaneously unfolds the dance drama narrative. "It tells the story of a person's self-challenge on the way to seek Buddhist scriptures, expresses the theme of self-cultivation on the road of life, and observes human nature itself." Wang Yabin said that "Journey to the West" does not only tell the story of the original work, but also shows the protagonist's introspection. The process of exploring oneself, overcoming hardships outward, and finally reaching the state of unity between inside and outside.
