Chinese dance drama 'The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting' mesmerizes Singaporean audiences

Performers took their curtain call  in Singapore on Thursday. Photo: Courtesy of the China Oriental Performing Arts Group

The popular Chinese dance poetry drama The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting started its international tour by enchanting audiences at the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay in Singapore from Thursday to Sunday.
The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, a dance drama blending traditional and contemporary elements, draws inspiration from the masterpiece A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains by the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) painter Wang Ximeng. The show has been staged more than 400 times across the country since its premiere in 2021.

"I have been in Singapore since I was 2 and rarely visit China. However, I always had a deep affection for Chinese culture. This performance finally allowed me to closely experience the beauty of traditional Chinese culture. The story is wonderful, the performers' portrayals are brilliant, and every scene deeply moved me. I have already bought tickets to see it again the day after tomorrow!" said an audience member surnamed Ye, who watched the show on Thursday.

Despite overseas audiences' limited understanding of traditional Chinese culture, The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting left them astonished and moved. Several overseas spectators expressed their excitement after leaving the theater.

"Everyone in our country knows about Chinese kung fu, but nobody knew China also had such magnificent paintings... My biggest feeling now is that I hope my family and friends can also see this dance drama," said an audience member from Indonesia.

After the performances, lead actors Zhang Han, Meng Qingyang and Xie Suhao also had close interaction with the audience.

Gao Ai, general manager of China Oriental Performing Arts Group, said that the performance in Singapore aimed to enhance mutual understanding and friendship among people of different countries through artistic exchanges and the collision of cultures.

The enthusiastic response from audiences not only affirmed The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting but also showed high praise for China's outstanding traditional culture, Gao added.

Global Times