“Dance of Calligraphy”: A New Drama Interpreting Ancient Chinese Art Through Dance

Over the weekend, the Shanghai Opera House debuted its latest production, “Dance of Calligraphy,” at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing. The performance, which received a warm reception, explores the history of the esteemed Chinese calligraphic work “Lantingji Xu,” or Preface to the Collection of Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion. This dance drama not only narrates the evolution of the famous 353 AD calligraphy but also translates its aesthetic essence into the expressive language of dance.

Penned by the renowned calligrapher Wang Xizhi during a scholarly gathering at Lanting, “Lantingji Xu” comprises 324 characters and is celebrated as one of the pinnacle achievements in Chinese calligraphy. The dance drama is set against the backdrop of the lush Jiangnan landscapes, evoking the serene environment of its creation. It beautifully blends historical context with the personal stories of the literati of the Wei and Jin dynasties, who are depicted enjoying scholarly pursuits such as poetry and calligraphy.

Choreographer Wang Yabin has ingeniously crafted the performance to reflect the sweeping, elegant motions of calligraphy through dance. Employing innovative stage techniques like flashbacks and jump cuts, the production traverses time, showcasing the transmission of “Lantingji Xu” through centuries. This ambitious narrative approach not only highlights the historical significance of the calligraphy but also underscores its enduring appeal across borders and epochs.

The dance drama’s creative team has meticulously coordinated every aspect of the production, from music and lighting to multimedia, costumes, and makeup, all carefully chosen to complement the classical Chinese tones and the poetic content of the original work. The choreography, in particular, mirrors the delicate brush strokes of calligraphy, creating a visual and auditory experience that captures the ‘vivid charm’ of Chinese classical dance.

This seamless fusion of traditional elements with modern theatrical techniques aims to engage audiences in a deep, reflective journey through Chinese cultural history, linking ancient arts with contemporary sensibilities. The production’s relevance today was unexpectedly highlighted when Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, in a poetic nod to the ancient text, quoted “Lantingji Xu” in a tweet from space, bridging the vast expanse between the cosmic and the historical, the ancient and the modern, the Eastern and the Western.

Chief Producer and Vice President of the Shanghai Opera House, Ji Pingping, expressed that the ultimate goal of “Dance of Calligraphy” is to evoke a resonance with the audience’s emotions and spirit, connecting them to the profound legacies of poetry, calligraphy, and dance through impactful visual storytelling.

“Dance of Calligraphy” is more than a dance drama; it is a cultural dialogue that transcends time and space, inviting audiences to contemplate the deep connections between human expression and universal beauty.

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