Sichuan Opera performed in Tatarstan for the first time
The Sichuan Opera performed in Tatarstan. The Galiasgar Kamal Theatre presented the play “Chuan Yun Dong Fang” (translated from Chinese as “Through the Clouds to the East”). It was one of the highlights of the cultural programme of the 4th International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”. It will be performed again on 18 August.
Sichuan Opera is one of the oldest forms of Chinese art. The production introduces audiences to centuries-old Chinese stage traditions, unique movement, music, and acting.
“We perform in traditional Sichuan clothing. I will use movements that make the actor appear to be practically floating above the stage. This element is the theatrical embodiment of the role of Xiaosheng — a young man. This choreography conveys a carefree mood and joy,” noted Sichuan Opera actor Xiao Demei.
He explained that the company held numerous rehearsals in the city of Chengdu. Subtitles appear above the stage during the performance, but they are not strictly necessary, Xiao Demei explained.
“In my opinion, the first thing you will notice is the body language; a lot will be clear. The performance is built on the content, which will be conveyed. But true artistry and professionalism of an actor often do not require translation. You just need to open your soul,” said Tatarstan Minister of Culture Irada Ayupova.
According to the Minister, this is not an opera in the classical sense but a contemporary art form built on the traditional heritage of the Chinese people. Its historical and cultural status makes it one of the most powerful tools for updating and transmitting intangible cultural heritage.
“This is an example of how to skillfully and delicately transmit the key cultural codes of one’s people to future generations and preserve one’s identity in a rapidly changing world. We should learn from this. When children from China see the performances, they are very immersed and know what’s going on. They understand the meaning and context of various elements, such as tongue twisters or mask changes,” Irada Ayupova explained.
“For the institution itself, this is an exchange of experience, skill, and methods. In addition to the performance, there will be artist meetings,” said Ilfir Yakupov, First Deputy Artistic Director of the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre.
“This is not our first experience. We have participated in festivals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing. We are delighted to host Sichuan Opera; it is important to us that Tatarstan audiences experience the diversity of traditional theatrical cultures. We are negotiating further collaboration with the Sichuan Theatre School group and will be developing partnership projects. Accordingly, we will also be visiting them,” said Ilfir Yakupov.
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The International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on 16-19 August.
The business programme includes such areas as interstate dialogue, creative economy, medicine, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction.
The SPROUTS Business Forum confirmed its high status by receiving the EFEA Awards and becoming a laureate and finalist of the prestigious International Russian Event Awards.
ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” acts as an operator for the preparation and holding of the SPROUTS Forum.
The Sichuan Opera performed in Tatarstan. The Galiasgar Kamal Theatre presented the play “Chuan Yun Dong Fang” (translated from Chinese as “Through the Clouds to the East”). It was one of the highlights of the cultural programme of the 4th International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”. It will be performed again on 18 August.
Sichuan Opera is one of the oldest forms of Chinese art. The production introduces audiences to centuries-old Chinese stage traditions, unique movement, music, and acting.
“We perform in traditional Sichuan clothing. I will use movements that make the actor appear to be practically floating above the stage. This element is the theatrical embodiment of the role of Xiaosheng — a young man. This choreography conveys a carefree mood and joy,” noted Sichuan Opera actor Xiao Demei.
He explained that the company held numerous rehearsals in the city of Chengdu. Subtitles appear above the stage during the performance, but they are not strictly necessary, Xiao Demei explained.
“In my opinion, the first thing you will notice is the body language; a lot will be clear. The performance is built on the content, which will be conveyed. But true artistry and professionalism of an actor often do not require translation. You just need to open your soul,” said Tatarstan Minister of Culture Irada Ayupova.
According to the Minister, this is not an opera in the classical sense but a contemporary art form built on the traditional heritage of the Chinese people. Its historical and cultural status makes it one of the most powerful tools for updating and transmitting intangible cultural heritage.
“This is an example of how to skillfully and delicately transmit the key cultural codes of one’s people to future generations and preserve one’s identity in a rapidly changing world. We should learn from this. When children from China see the performances, they are very immersed and know what’s going on. They understand the meaning and context of various elements, such as tongue twisters or mask changes,” Irada Ayupova explained.
“For the institution itself, this is an exchange of experience, skill, and methods. In addition to the performance, there will be artist meetings,” said Ilfir Yakupov, First Deputy Artistic Director of the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre.
“This is not our first experience. We have participated in festivals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing. We are delighted to host Sichuan Opera; it is important to us that Tatarstan audiences experience the diversity of traditional theatrical cultures. We are negotiating further collaboration with the Sichuan Theatre School group and will be developing partnership projects. Accordingly, we will also be visiting them,” said Ilfir Yakupov.
*****
The International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on 16-19 August.
The business programme includes such areas as interstate dialogue, creative economy, medicine, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction.
The SPROUTS Business Forum confirmed its high status by receiving the EFEA Awards and becoming a laureate and finalist of the prestigious International Russian Event Awards.
ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” acts as an operator for the preparation and holding of the SPROUTS Forum.