The China Media Group has launched an enthralling cultural variety show, “Biographies of Masters: the Eight Great Masters of the Tang and the Song Dynasties.” This unique production resurrects the lives of these illustrious figures from thousands of years ago, allowing audiences to delve into their captivating life stories. Through engaging narratives, insightful cultural interpretations, and innovative visual presentations, viewers can explore the creation of timeless masterpieces and experience the enduring influence of Chinese culture.
“The Eight Great Masters” is a revered term in Chinese culture, encompassing two luminaries from the Tang Dynasty, Liu Zongyuan and Han Yu, along with six notable figures from the Song Dynasty: Ouyang Xiu, Wang Anshi, Zeng Gong, Su Xun, and his sons Su Shi and Su Zhe. These individuals are celebrated for their exceptional contributions to Chinese art and literature.
The show’s core challenge is to bridge the thoughts of ancient people with the questions faced by contemporary society, making ancient stories resonate with today’s social consciousness. As the first variety show dedicated to “The Eight Great Masters,” it delves deep into profound thoughts and life wisdom, encompassing a wide range of ideas. This exploration includes artifacts, the essence of literature, and the pulse of culture to find answers that connect the past and present.
The primary narrative thread of the show revolves around artifacts. These artifacts contain cultural codes that offer insights into the origins and future of Chinese culture, holding ancient wisdom that can be applied to contemporary enlightenment. For example, the show begins with Han Yu’s original calligraphy work, “Eulogy to Cao’e,” which features the characters “Tuizhi” in the corner. Han Yu’s courtesy name was Tuizhi, meaning “take a step back.” The show explores the story behind these characters, highlighting the wisdom that taking a step back can lead to great achievements. This simple yet profound wisdom carries warmth and spirit transcending time and words, taking the audience on a journey that starts with a single artifact.
The show’s second focus is on the heart of literature. It delves into how the words and sentences written in classics resonate with the vivid lives of these individuals. By showcasing the masters’ remarkable achievements and their influence on history, the show emphasizes the enduring impact of literature on culture and society.
In addition to literary achievements, the show vividly presents the masters’ hobbies and interests through immersive live-action interpretations, cinematic filming, and XR (extended reality) technology. Hosts in costumes bring the life stories of these masters to life, and through XR, the audience witnesses the lives of ancient figures on modern screens.
The show also features a screen marking the significant events in the lives of each main figure. When touched by the hosts, these great masters are transformed into ordinary individuals facing trials and making choices. Key moments of their lives unfold in the XR space.
“Biographies of Masters” elevates the familiarity of historical figures to a thoughtful depiction, enabling audiences to understand and learn from these figures. By focusing on the broader picture and attending to finer details, the show serves as a shining beacon on the radiant star map of Chinese culture, where traditional culture intersects with the modern spirit.
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