A Life on the Silk Road

A Life on the Silk Road, a mythological epic by the National Theatre of China, will be presented at Théâtre 13 in Paris in January 2020. January 28 – February 2, 2020 – Théâtre 13 / Seine National Theatre of China A Life on the Silk Road Text: Wang Jing, Zhao Miao Direction: Zhao Miao With Wu Junda, Wang Yue, He Hongyu, Tian Ge, Wu Di, Hua Chao, Du Shuaiqiang, Liu Xihui, Wang Chenxu, Song Xianli, Yu Hua, Zhang Shuochen, Zhao Zeyang, Hu Hanchi, and the musician Pan Yu Dramaturgy: Wang Jing Set and lighting advisor: Eric Soyer Set design: Cao Lu Video: Mathieu Sanchez Music: Uriel Barthélémi Lighting: Wen Xiaonan Costumes: Lu Chunwei Makeup: Ren Wei Sound: Zhao Mengru Scenery construction: Lin Yanhua Choreography advisor: Xu Yewen Chinese opera acting advisor: Du Shuaiqiang Puppetry advisor: Jade Collet Production: National Theatre of China Producer: Zhou Yuyuan Associate producers: Jing Xiaoyong, Ge Dali, Cai Xuefeng, Tian Qinxin. Organization: Hybridités France-Chine A 26-year-old young man, a 13-year journey, more than 12,000 kilometers traveled… A Life on the Silk Road is inspired by the true story of Zhang Qian, the explorer and initiator of the Silk Road in the 2nd century BCE. In this contemporary adaptation, no account is given by the main character himself; the story is told by an animal and by those the explorer crossed paths with during his journey. From childhood memories to fantastical dreams, from the Gobi Desert to snow-capped mountains, from years of captivity to the discovery of other civilizations, from failed military missions to glory, the show retraces the exceptional path of the man who played an important pioneering role in China’s expansion toward Central Asia. An interdisciplinary performance blending speech, movement, and imagery. “A very successful blend of modernity and tradition. The alternation between dialogue and surtitled narration makes it easy to follow the many twists and turns of Zhang Qian’s epic. The staging is creative while using simple, understated elements. The choreography, for its part, is modern but inspired by Chinese opera and martial arts, whose costumes it borrows. Likewise, the music is modern while using traditional instruments such as the zheng qin.” Jacqueline Gibault More: https://annetheatrepassion.blogspot.com/2020/01/une-vie-sur-la-route-de-la-soie-theatre.html