China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, “Confucius” Russia Tour,2019

Tour Dates: 3rd December - 9th December, 2019

This dance drama depicts Confucius’ tour around the Chinese States, a journey full of frustrations, a journey without the accomplishment of his dreams, and a journey where devotion is never repaid.

Tour Dates
  • 3rd December - 9th December, 2019

Tour Information

3rd December, 19:00, Mariinsky Theatre | Click for tickets
4th December, 19:00, Mariinsky Theatre | Click for tickets
8th December, 19:00, The Kolobov Novoya Opera Theatre of Moscow | Click for Tickets
9th December, 19:00, The Kolobov Novoya Opera Theatre of Moscow | Click for Tickets

Confucius, named Qiu and courtesy-named Zhongni, was a philosopher, educationist and politician in the Spring and Autumn Period (722B.C.-481B.C.) as well as the representative of Confucianism. “One of the world’s top ten historical figures”. Confucius is affectionately known as sage, holy and teacher for all generations. As the head of “the world’s top ten celebrities of culture”, Confucius and his Confucianism have a profound effect on both China and the outside world.

This dance drama depicts Confucius’ tour around the Chinese States, a journey full of frustrations, a journey without the accomplishment of his dreams, and a journey where devotion is never repaid.

Introduction

In the chaotic time, the Lord of the State was muddle-headed and drowning in the company of beautiful women. The Lord asked Confucius how to rule the State but then ignored his suggestions. The officials, crafty and fawning, knew only how to conspire against each other.Confucius considered the situation and proposed that the ruler adopt rules of etiquette and a policy of benevolence, but his ideas failed to change the situation. Confucius became involved in the conspiracy in the court and was forced to flee for his life. Trapped in the tempest of danger and hunger, he imagined seeing an ideal world of great harmony... The wars continued, people were homeless, and the heavenly almond forest turned into a battlefield. On the sad journey home in the blind darkness, the Youlan Song (Song of Orchid) was no longer a song of self-pity, and became an ode to the courage of shouldering heavy responsibilities. Although he may not have realized it, Confucius’ philosophy had already spread throughout the country.

China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater

China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, which is directly affiliated to the central government, is the largest state-level theater with the longest history in China. Within the theater there are opera troupe, dance drama troupe, folk music troupe, symphony orchestra, stage designing department, creation studio and performance department, etc. The predecessor of theater is Yan’an Lu Xun College of Art. In March 1964, upon approval of the State Council, “China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater” began to be organized with Ma Ke as president and this name has remained unchanged ever since. The current president is Dr. TAO Cheng.

In addition to a group of famous artists such as Mr. QIAO Yu, Ms. GUO Lanying, Ms. ZHAO Qing, Mr. LIU Wenjin, Ms. CHEN Ailian, Mr. WU Yanze, Mr. LIU Shiming and Ms. SHAN Chong, the theater has a large number of outstanding young and middle-aged artists who are loved by the audience. Over half of the century, the theater has performed more than one hundred operas and dance dramas, among which the first national opera of China White Haired Girl, the first national dance drama of China Lotus Lantern, andthe first Comedy Opera Peasant Takes a Wife, Shang Shi(Opera), Yuan Ye(Opera), Dream of Red Mansions(Dance Drama), Dancing Girl of Tongque Platform(Dance Drama) Princess Wencheng(Dance Drama)have become epochal works of art in the history of Chinese opera and a model of theatrical arts. Chinese national leaders and many foreign heads have enjoyed the performances and given high praises.

Based on glorious history, the theater adheres to the concept of inheritance and innovation. In recent years, the theater has produced a series of new masterpieces, such as Red River Valley (Opera), Xing Hai(Opera), Horn(Opera), Lin Huiyin(Opera), Liu Sanjie(Opera), Confucius (Dance Drama), When We were Young(Dance Drama), Chinese Orphan(Dance Drama), Princess Zhaojun (Dance Drama), Li Bai(Dance Drama), Charm of the Seasons, Wishes from Heaven, Silk Road Symphony, Synopsis of Ethnic Concert ational Treasures. At the invitation of a good many countries. the theater has frequently presented its performance to audience around the world, The theater has been invited to many countries in Europe, America, Asia, Africa and Oceania to conduct performances, which helps not only to promote the international cultural exchanges but also strengthen the friendship between Chinese people and the rest of the world.

With its classical stage performance, masterful arts and first-class artists, the theater has won wide recognition and appreciation both domestically and worldwide.

Cast

Executive Producer TAO Cheng
Executive Producer Wei Yinjiu Xu Liqiao Xu Ning Ma Jinhong Tang Ying
Chief Director KONG Dexin  the 77th-generation descendant of Confucius
Dance Director XU Ning
Scripter Writer LIU Chun
Stage Director REN Dongsheng WANG Xingang
Musical Director ZHANG Qu
Composer ZHANG Qu XIE Peng
Arranger Ji Peng
Stage designer LIU Pei
Lighting designer HU Bo
Video Designer KONG Jiang
Costume Designer YANG Donglin