Dance drama and theatrical play of prize-winning novel 'The Protagonist' captivate audiences
Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee
Two stage versions of the Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel The Protagonist - a dance drama in Beijing and a theatrical play in Shanghai - have been well-received by audiences. The dance version in Beijing captures the most dramatic turning points in the fate of the protagonist Yi Qin'e, who transforms from a shepherdess to a renowned Qinqiang Opera performer in the original 780,000-character epic.
Reflecting on the dance production, the novel's writer Chen Yan, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and vice chairman of the China Writers Association, told the Global Times on Sunday that the 90-minute dance drama felt both "novel and revelatory" as it highlighted the power of non-verbal storytelling to capture complex human emotions through "breath, movement and tension."
Centering on Qinqiang, a genre of folk opera originating in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, The Protagonist chronicles the four-decade journey of one woman's rise from an obscure kitchen helper to a celebrated opera diva during China's reform and opening-up era.
Chen is known for his profound literary mastery and distinctive insights into traditional Chinese culture. He has consistently emphasized the study and portrayal of China's traditional art forms throughout his creative writings.
He noted the production's focus on "society's evolution and humanity's intricate intersections," framing Yi Qin'e as a "symbolic martyr" whose struggles resonate beyond the stage.
"Artistic appreciation may require efforts, but true impact strikes the soul," he added.
The author reserved special acclaim for the dancers, especially the lead dancer Li Chensai, whose portrayal of Yi Qin'e he described as "masterful," emphasizing her ability to embody the character's resilience and vulnerability through nuanced physicality.
Chief choreographer Wang Mei has always persisted in her own choreographic philosophy. She told the Global Times that all creative work should serve to shape character portrayals, support thematic essence and present the authenticity of characters. Through extreme physical language, she strives to demonstrate profound conceptual depth and preserve the purity of artistic expression.
Chen also lauded the ensemble's dedication, stating, "These dancers sculpt lives with their bodies, not just polished routines."
Chen emphasized that his vision for dance theater is a fusion of aesthetic beauty and intellectual depth, and likened the ideal production to a symphony in which "multilayered brilliance converges into a force akin to 'destiny.'"
The theatrical adaptation staring Liu Liyouyou was staged at the Grand Shanghai Theater on Sunday as part of the ongoing Plum Performance Awards, China's top awards for stage plays. Liu noted that as the story follows the main character from age 11 to 51, both the character's psychological depth and the technical demands of operatic performance were difficult challenges. To overcome these barriers, she immersed herself in mastering traditional opera movements from scratch, achieving remarkable artistic growth within a condensed timeframe. This rigorous preparations enabled her to embody the role with heightened authenticity and dramatic resonance onstage.
"I have been deeply moved by the creativity and courage of this generation of artists," Chen said, underscoring his respect for a production that transcends from mere adaptation to become a "dialogue with fate itself."