An evening to explore the themes and language of two iconic writers, UK’s Shakespeare and China’s Tang Xianzu. Separated by 5,000 miles, Tang and Shakespeare lived and worked in the same century, each the most popular playwright of their time in their respective countries. In 1616, both died, each leaving behind an incredible body of work for future generations to enjoy.
During this multifaceted event, hear a performer, a director and a producer – each with a huge body of work – in conversation about these two writers, their influence and impact. International opera star, Mao Weitao, will perform a special extract from fusion Yue opera, “Coriolanus and Du Liniang“, a piece that combines the works of these two cultural and literary masters.
The panel for the evening:
- Mao Weitaois considered the Chinese preserver and inheritor of Yue Opera, ensuring its passage into modernity. She is the Vice President of the China Theatre Association and the Artistic Director of the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe.
- Guo Xiaonanis among China’s most celebrated theatre directors. He graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy in 1987 and is now working in Shanghai Municipal Culture, Radio Broadcasting, Film and Television Administration. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Chinese Opera Director Association, a member of the Chinese Drama Director Artistic Committee, and a Chinese Shakespeare Research Association Director.
- Malú Ansaldois an expert on international touring; her major projects have been for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: Globe to Globe Hamlet world tour (2014 – 2016) and the world famous Globe to Globe Festival in 2012, part of the Cultural Olympiad.
- The conversation will be hosted by Mary Mazzilli, lecturer of theatre and performance at Goldsmith University, London. She has published a monograph of Gao Xingjian’s Post-exile plays, Bloomsbury Methuen Drama (2015). She is the founder and Creative Director of Lumenis Theatre Company.Her plays have been staged in the UK and China.
Literature, opera, cultural icons and conversation – spend an evening learning more at China Exchange.
