or many dance enthusiasts, seeing Zhang Han, who played Xi Meng in Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, alongside Meng Qingyang, who portrayed Qinglu, is a long-awaited wish. On December 21, the dance drama Tianxia Dazu had its premiere at the Poly Theatre, co-produced by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, the Publicity Department of Chongqing, and other institutions. Xi Meng and Qinglu return from the verdant landscapes to the mortal world, transforming into the humble creators behind the Dazu Rock Carvings, fulfilling the dreams of their admirers.
Unlike Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, which is a dance poetry drama, Tianxia Dazu is a dance drama with a clear storyline. Set in the Southern Song Dynasty, the character Xiao Fu, played by Zhang Han, escapes war and finds refuge in the Dazu area, where he is saved by craftsmen living on the cliffs. Xiao Fu becomes bound to the rock carvings and, after tireless practice, earns the respect of the master craftsman, who adopts him as his son and teaches him. However, as turmoil strikes the land, a disaster occurs one rainy night, and the ordinary craftsmen sacrifice their lives to protect the stone carvings, resting forever at the base of the cliff. To honor them, Xiao Fu resolves to carve the mountain into a book and use blades as pens to engrave their names on the stones, ensuring their legacy remains immortal.
The craftsmen are undoubtedly the protagonists of Tianxia Dazu, and their dance showcases a lively and earthy style. The first half of the dance drama depicts the various aspects of the craftsmen's work and life, highlighting their hard labor, playful jokes, and the deep love between artisan couples. Many of the dance movements are drawn from everyday tasks, reflecting a grounded and sincere lifestyle rather than the romanticism of scholars, conveying the craftsmen's joy and dedication through simple, life-inspired movements.
Meng Qingyang plays two vastly different roles in the production. One is the tavern owner, who sheds the colors of Qinglu and dons an alluring new appearance, dancing with the lively atmosphere of the marketplace. Her beauty leaves a deep impression on Xiao Fu and becomes the inspiration for his stone carving. The other character she portrays is the graceful Avalokiteshvara, who makes a late appearance, but her contrasting image to the tavern owner creates a powerful visual impact for the audience.
The strong sense of life in Tianxia Dazu harmonizes with the secular style of the Dazu Rock Carvings. The rock carvings not only depict religious figures like bodhisattvas but also portray the everyday lives and customs of the common people, making them stand out among other rock art. This also explains why Meng Qingyang plays two contrasting characters. The ordinary tavern owner and the goddess, unified in their human and divine forms, reflect the artistic brilliance of the Dazu Rock Carvings, infused with the flavor of Chinese philosophy, which is also conveyed in the dance drama.n
Additionally, the music of Tianxia Dazu is highly symphonic. While the drama is set in the Song Dynasty, the use of Western instruments in the score blends seamlessly, enhancing the performance. The humorous and lighthearted woodwinds and the solemn brass instruments create a vivid atmosphere, enriching the narrative of the dance drama and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Translator: FENG Haoxuan
Reviewer: BAI Jing
