Culture Beat: Dance drama ‘Journey to the West’ debuts

Promotional material for new dance drama Journey to the West Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Dance Academy

A dance drama, the latest collaboration between artists from China and France, has debuted at the Dance Theater of the Beijing Dance Academy ahead of a national tour as well as performances in Paris.  

Inspired by China's classical masterpiece Journey to the West, the dance drama was directed and choreographed by dancer Wang Yabin while its music was composed by French composer Laurent Petitgirard. The crew also includes young screenwriter Zhuang Yi, costume designer Wu Lei, and makeup designer Wang Jia. 

According to Petitgirard, he has been fond of the story of Journey to the West since he was a child. Recording the music involved 90 artists.  

"The creation of the dance drama began in early 2019," said Wang. "Through the perspective of Monkey King, we explore the play and expand the story through the language of dance and the musical elements of a Western orchestra."  

Ten years ago, Wang worked with French artists on a dance work. She said that she has always attached great importance to integrating the best of traditional Chinese culture into her artistic creations. As the dance drama will tour to France, she hopes it will help more French audiences to fall in love with Chinese culture amid the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.