Xi Shi reprises ancient beauty (2)
09:26, October 30, 2009 
Email | Print | Subscribe | Comments | Forum 
Another highlight of the performance is dance, in which the producer tried to reprise what is allegedly the world's earliest tap dance that has so far only been described in historical documents. Historical records suggest that Xi Shi created the dance genre of Xiangji, literally meaning "sounding clogs." Each of the wooden "sounding clogs" has a string of small bells attached, which create echoing sounds as the dancers tap to the rhythm.
"No one really knows exactly how Xi Shi danced the Xiangji, because it is only recorded in historical documents," said Xiao Yanying, Xi Shi's choreographer. "In our show, we incorporated our own ideas with a modern perspective to showcase the serenity and beauty that is unique to traditional Chinese women."
Famous Chinese-Canadian soprano Zhang Liping is playing the lead. Zhang has performed with the Royal Opera in London, the Metropolitan Opera of New York and Opera de Paris. She is well known for her interpretation of bel canto roles.
"This is the first time I am singing an opera in Chinese with a strong Chinese flavor and I am under pressure a little in terms of music and the language, but it is a challenge to me," Zhang said. "I kept studying the character of Xi Shi incessantly in my mind since I was given the role and I'm confident that I can make it, for Xi Shi is the most admired character for me in recent years."
As one of China's most anticipated operas this year, Xi Shi has already attracted substantial audience numbers with strong box office sales and most premier tickets sold out, according to NCPA.
The response is encouraging for the genre that has been dominated by Western works in recent years. Chinese opera has undergone steady development since its debut 80 years ago, producing a series of classic works, however since the 1990s, locally written and produced operas have become scarce as demand for foreign operas has burgeoned.
"The main reason for the present dilemma for Chinese original operas is the lack of qualified playwrights, as a growing number have turned to writing for TV series, which is more financially rewarding, the same also goes for composers," said Jiang Li, a senior opera expert with China National Opera House.
"Classic foreign operas have become increasingly popular in China and have dominated the domestic market with their extravagant performances and outlandish taste, widening the visions of local audiences and overshadowing domestic productions," Jiang said. "To improve domestic opera production we have to train more brilliant playwrights who really love it."
【1】 【2】 【3】
"No one really knows exactly how Xi Shi danced the Xiangji, because it is only recorded in historical documents," said Xiao Yanying, Xi Shi's choreographer. "In our show, we incorporated our own ideas with a modern perspective to showcase the serenity and beauty that is unique to traditional Chinese women."
Famous Chinese-Canadian soprano Zhang Liping is playing the lead. Zhang has performed with the Royal Opera in London, the Metropolitan Opera of New York and Opera de Paris. She is well known for her interpretation of bel canto roles.
"This is the first time I am singing an opera in Chinese with a strong Chinese flavor and I am under pressure a little in terms of music and the language, but it is a challenge to me," Zhang said. "I kept studying the character of Xi Shi incessantly in my mind since I was given the role and I'm confident that I can make it, for Xi Shi is the most admired character for me in recent years."
As one of China's most anticipated operas this year, Xi Shi has already attracted substantial audience numbers with strong box office sales and most premier tickets sold out, according to NCPA.
The response is encouraging for the genre that has been dominated by Western works in recent years. Chinese opera has undergone steady development since its debut 80 years ago, producing a series of classic works, however since the 1990s, locally written and produced operas have become scarce as demand for foreign operas has burgeoned.
"The main reason for the present dilemma for Chinese original operas is the lack of qualified playwrights, as a growing number have turned to writing for TV series, which is more financially rewarding, the same also goes for composers," said Jiang Li, a senior opera expert with China National Opera House.
"Classic foreign operas have become increasingly popular in China and have dominated the domestic market with their extravagant performances and outlandish taste, widening the visions of local audiences and overshadowing domestic productions," Jiang said. "To improve domestic opera production we have to train more brilliant playwrights who really love it."
 |  |
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90782/6798699.pdf