This October, with the support of the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), Goldsmiths Confucius Institute for Dance and Performance were proud to be part of London Southbank Centre’s annual China Changing Festival.
Goldsmiths CI were delighted to have the opportunity to invite some of the most acclaimed figures from China’s theatre scene to the UK for a series of collaborative theatrical events aiming to give members of the local community in London an insight into Chinese experimental theatre.
The series of events were based around the ancient Chinese play, The Injustice to Tou O, creating a fusion of the original Chinese text, contemporary Western philosophy and movements influenced by Chinese Peking Opera.
The original play tells the story of Tou O, a girl abandoned by her father at a young age and eventually framed for a murder she did not commit. When her father returns after years of abandonment, Tou O believes he will come to her aid. However, hope turns quickly to panic as she realises her father has returned only to condemn her to certain death in his capacity as a judge.
Kicking off on 7 October 2018 with a modern adaptation of the play at the Southbank Centre to the audience of more than 400, the opening performance was followed by an evening of collaborative drama workshops and a final performance at Goldsmiths on 8 October 2018.
As part of the final series of activities, performers from Goldsmiths CI gave music, dance and martial arts demonstrations to give a further insight into Chinese performing arts.
The activities were well-received by participants and members of the audience who actively used the post-production Q & A sessions to express their enthusiasm for the play. The series of events enabled Goldsmiths students and local members of the community to gain an insight into Chinese music and drama whilst exploring wider philosophical reflections on society and the human condition.
