On November 6, 2024 afternoon, an extraordinary performance unfolded at the National Museum of China as part of the World Classical Studies Conference. This unique showcase, which brought together scholars and enthusiasts from across the globe, celebrated both the depth of Chinese classical arts and the timeless beauty of ancient Western traditions. The performance, organized by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, featured a stunning blend of Chinese classical dance, ancient music, and Greek theatrical masterpieces, creating a bridge of cultural exchange that resonated across centuries.
The concert was more than just a performance; it was a testament to the enduring influence of Eastern and Western classical civilizations. Through carefully selecting works that span the breadth of China's 5,000-year civilization and the philosophical legacies of ancient Greece, the event highlighted how these two ancient cultures have shaped the world. The audience was treated to a vivid display of the continuity and evolution of classical thought and artistic expression, creating a dialogue between two civilizations that have long inspired the course of human history.
Chinese Classical Philosophy
This year marks the 2575th anniversary of Confucius' birth, and the exceptional performance paid tribute to this monumental figure with an original large-scale ethnic dance drama titled "Confucius." Known for his philosophical contributions that profoundly influenced Chinese culture and thought, Confucius' teachings resonate globally, embodying the ideals of ethics, virtue, and social harmony. The performance focused on portraying various moments from Confucius' life, using dance as a medium to illustrate his teachings and the cultural environment of his time.
The opening scene, "The Feathered Quill," captured the moment when Confucius first set out on his journey to spread his teachings. Other key dance segments followed, depicting his encounters with scholars and politicians, his establishment of schools, and his eventual return to his homeland of Lu. The performance included stunning choreography, where the dancers' movements, both delicate and powerful, conveyed the core principles of Confucianism. Male and female group dances alternated between assertive, disciplined formations and softer, flowing movements, each reflecting the role of Confucian philosophy in shaping both the scholar and the statesman, as well as the ideal of feminine grace within the traditional Chinese cultural landscape.
The choice of dance drama as a medium to express Confucian teachings was highly effective. It demonstrated how classical Chinese dance, with its deep ties to the philosophical and moral frameworks of Chinese society, can convey the intricacies of Confucius' wisdom in ways that transcend language and time. Through the dancers' precise control of their bodies, the performance captured the essence of Confucian ideals, such as self-cultivation, harmony with nature, and respect for societal order.
Ancient Greece
In addition to the rich display of Chinese classical dance, the performance also delved into the artistic heritage of ancient Greece. The audience was transported 2,400 years back in time with selected excerpts from "Oedipus Rex," one of the most famous tragedies by the Greek playwright Sophocles. The powerful themes of fate, identity, and morality in "Oedipus Rex" were brought to life through dramatic readings and musical interludes, offering a glimpse into the profound philosophical inquiries that defined ancient Greek drama.
To further enrich the cultural exchange, the performance included renditions of ancient Greek folk songs, such as "The Oleander Blossom" and "Where Shall We Go?" Initially born in the Greek city-states, these songs were reimagined with the sounds of traditional Chinese instruments like the yangqin (dulcimer) and pipa (lute). The fusion of Chinese instruments with Greek melodies was a moment of pure magic, drawing applause from foreign guests who marveled at the novel reinterpretation of these ancient tunes. It was a striking example of how music, regardless of its cultural origin, can transcend geographical and temporal boundaries, evoking shared emotional and aesthetic experiences.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the performance was the presentation of the Chinese guqin (古琴) piece "Flowing Water," a classical melody often associated with the idea of finding a true friend who understands one's innermost thoughts. The guqin, a seven-stringed zither, is renowned for its subtle, meditative tones, and "Flowing Water" is considered one of the ten most significant pieces in the Chinese musical canon.
The guqin performance was introduced with the famous Chinese proverb "High mountains and flowing water meet true friends," illustrating how music can connect people across time and space. As the musician delicately plucked the strings of the guqin, the sound of flowing water seemed to come alive, evoking the image of a serene river winding through a tranquil landscape. This experience was mesmerizing and profoundly moving for the international audience, offering them a taste of the depth and beauty of traditional Chinese musical culture.
Shared Human Legacy
The event was a resounding success, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange and the shared human legacy of classical thought and artistic expression. As the final notes of "Flowing Water" echoed through the hall, the audience was left with a sense of wonder at the enduring power of these ancient traditions. The performance beautifully captured the essence of both Eastern and Western classical civilizations, showcasing their beauty, wisdom, and universal relevance.
Through this unforgettable artistic collaboration, the World Classical Studies Conference offered a vivid reminder that humanity's most profound ideas and expressions have always been deeply intertwined despite the vast differences in culture, language, and history. Whether through the teachings of Confucius or the tragedies of ancient Greece, these classical works continue to inspire and connect us all.
