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Chen Xinyi Art Center presents: Ein Heldenleben
Cai Lun The inventor of paper is celebrated in an epic theatre production combining Peking Opera-style performance with the music of Richard Straus
Conceived, written and directed by Chen Xinyi | Conducted by Raffaello Morales
LSO St Luke’s, Thursday 17th October 7.30pm
One of China’s most renowned directors, known for her experimentation with theatre aesthetic, combines spoken text, poetry, Peking Opera style performance and live classical music to create a theatre production that tells the life of Cai Lun, the inventor of paper. Performed in traditional Chinese costume and makeup, the epic performance is accompanied live by Fidelio Orchestra playing Richard Strauss’ symphonic poem Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), using the music to structure the narrative of Cai Lun’s life in all its emotional and moral complexities. The Symphony Poetry Drama reflects the ancient Chinese concept of “比兴” (analogy and metaphor) to explore both his triumphs and his struggles, guiding the audience through both the historical grandeur and personal turmoil of one of China’s most iconic figures.
Cai Lun was a eunuch court official in the Eastern Han dynasty believe to have invented paper in 105AD. He committed crimes, was denied and disgraced by others and remained in obscurity for many years. However, his invention sparked a media revolution in both China and the world. A crater on the moon was named after him in 2010.
Chen Xinyi said, “I spent 20 years exploring the combination of symphonic music and theatre, and I named this new stage aesthetic form “symphony poetry drama.” The first concept of symphony poetry drama is not to use symphonic music as an accompaniment to theatre, but to create a piece based on symphonic music. The fusion of Eastern and Western cultures - symphonic music and Peking Opera - gives stage plays a poetic and evocative charm, merging the highest forms of art from both cultures.
“The actors are heirs of a Peking Opera legacy, where both their ancestors and parents were renowned Peking Opera maestros. Guan Dongtian is a great Laosheng (old male role)actor. His father and mother were both famous Peking Opera maestros in China. I became a fan of his mother’s performances when I was just 15. Guan Dongtian has performed in opera, straight drama, Cantonese opera, and more. Combining the greatest symphonic music, the finest Chinese Peking Opera, and the two greatest male actors in the Peking Opera world to complete the story of Cai Lun’s life is truly remarkable. They are all heroes.”
With a monumental career that spans over seven decades Chen Xinyi stands as an extraordinary figure in the world of Chinese theatre. She is known for mixed disciplinary work, and created her own style: Symphony Poetry Drama. With roots in traditional opera and film acting, she transitioned into a pioneering role as a stage director and playwright, shaping the landscape of Chinese drama and education through her extensive body of work, which includes over 150 productions. Her expertise and leadership have also earned her honorary membership in the International Stage Art Network (ISTAN). A hallmark of Chen's career was her invitation to direct for the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) at its opening, with the opera Turandot followed by eight more productions, including LaBohème, and The Merchant of Venice. Chen Xinyi's passion and dedication to the arts have solidified her status as a luminary of Chinese theatre and a cultural ambassador to the world.
Raffaello Morales is a pianist, conductor and the founder of the Fidelio brand, which includes both the Fidelio Orchestra and the Fidelio Café in Clerkenwell, which regularly hosts recitals by some of the world's best soloists. Now in its fifth year, the orchestra has grown to become a regular player in London classical music scene. It brings together people with a commitment to making good music in a fun and unsophisticated environment. The orchestra is run as a charity with the purpose of creating opportunities for young musicians to get high standard orchestral experience and to collaborate with outstanding soloists.
LSO St Luke’s is a unique music venue on London’s Old Street, the home of the London Symphony Orchestra’s learning and community programme. Throughout the year they host a range of public events for all ages, welcoming artists from across the musical spectrum. Their vibrant programme ranges from lunchtime chamber music concerts to jazz and contemporary gigs, plus activities for families, and intriguing lectures. Their regular collaborators include BBC Radio 3, with whom they invite world-class soloists and ensembles to perform in they lunchtime concert series, and LSO St Luke’s Associate Artists, Tangram, a collective of composers and performers using Chinese and Western instruments and influences.
Running Time: 90 mins inc interval | Suitable for all ages
Performed in Mandarin with English subtitles
Company information
Conceived, written and directed by Chen Xinyi Conducted by Raffaello Morales
Cast
Starring Guan Dongtian and Chen Lincang
Listings information
17 October, 7.30pm
Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s, 161 Old Street, London, EC1V 9NG
Co-presented with China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) / The Great World.
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