In early December, Athens witnessed a unique cultural fusion during the first Sino-Hellenic International Theater Festival. Two Chinese dramas, “The Prince of Lanling” and “The New Legend of the White Snake,” incorporating elements from both Chinese and Greek culture, were staged, continuing a legacy of cultural exchange cultivated by the Luo family over decades.
The late Professor Luo Niansheng, a respected Chinese scholar and translator, laid the foundation for this cultural bridge. His lifelong commitment to translating and researching Greek literature significantly contributed to Sino-Hellenic friendship. President Xi Jinping, in a 2019 article published in a Greek newspaper, recognized Luo’s contributions and the continuation of his legacy by his son and granddaughter.
Luo Niansheng’s journey began as the first Chinese student at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens in 1933. He played a pivotal role in introducing ancient Greek theater and literature, including Aesop’s Fables and works of Aeschylus, to China.
His son, Luo Jinlin, carried forward this cultural baton. He has produced Chinese versions of classic Greek plays like “Oedipus the King” and “Medea,” adapting them to Chinese theaters. Luo Jinlin’s direction often incorporates traditional Chinese opera techniques, blending the dramatic essence of Greek tragedies with the artistic expression of Chinese culture.
Luo Tong, following in her father and grandfather’s footsteps, is dedicated to bringing Chinese theater to Greece. Her efforts aim to familiarize the Greek audience with Chinese culture, reinforcing the cultural ties between the two nations. She has established a cultural center in Athens to promote Chinese culture and plans to set up a similar initiative in Beijing for Greek culture.
Luo Niansheng’s decision to study in Greece, abandoning his academic pursuits in the US, was a significant step in his mission to immerse himself in Greek culture and literature. He translated over 10 million words from more than 50 ancient Greek literary and artistic works during his lifetime.
His son, Luo Jinlin, innovatively brought ancient cultures to life on stage. His interpretation of Greek dramas through Chinese operatic styles like Hebei Bangzi Opera and Pingju Opera, and the contemporary relevance he imbued in his productions, have resonated deeply with audiences in both Greece and China.
Luo Jinlin’s works like “The Women of Troy” express a strong anti-war sentiment and a commitment to peace, while his renditions of “Antigone” and “Oedipus Rex” delve into themes of human dignity and self-reflection.
Luo Tong’s efforts go beyond theatrical productions. She played a key role in introducing Chinese language courses at the University of Athens in 1992 and later founded the InterChina Cultural Center in 2001, the first of its kind in Greece. This center has since become a well-known institution for promoting various aspects of Chinese culture.
Upon her return to China in 2018, Luo Tong began teaching at the Shanghai Theatre Academy and other universities. She remains dedicated to promoting Greek drama in China, organizing bilingual performances with Greek and Chinese actors.
The Luo family’s commitment to cultural exchange extends to their participation in the Sino-Hellenic International Theater Festival, with Luo Tong expressing her desire to explore more such activities.
The Chinese Ambassador to Greece, Xiao Junzheng, has lauded these efforts, particularly highlighting the Hebei Bangzi Opera version of “Medea” as a powerful medium for mutual learning and cultural understanding. This enduring legacy of the Luo family continues to strengthen the cultural bonds between China and Greece, showcasing the unifying power of the arts.
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