Practice Lectures On Arts And Culture

Lu Xun and the Modern Chinese People                                   10 Feb 2001

Prof. Liu Zai Fu

That Lu Xun was the greatest Chinese writer of the 20^th Century is beyond doubt.  In all aurveys made on the eve of the millennium, he was voted the top Chinese writer of the century by both laymen and experts. There is also consensus that Lu Xun was one of modern China’s most profound thinker.  His relentless criticism of the pathetic mentality and behaviour of his own people have become part of the modern Chinese psyche, as his characters, such as Ah Q, have long entered the common usage of  the modern Chinese language. Prof. Liu, a leading scholar on Lu Xun studies, will attempt an in-depth analysis on why and how Lu Xun has exerted such an indelible influence on the Chinese people.

17 Feb 2001

To cover the full spectrum of classical Chinese Art in one introductory level risks superficial generality.  Mr Tan, with his immensely diverse practice and penetrating understanding of the subject, has elected to discuss the concept of artistic creation and the originality of the masterpieces of Four Masters – Wang Wei, Guo Xi, He Shaoji, Li Shutong – in the fields of poetry, calligraphy, painting and seal-carving thereby realizing the spiritual colours of the Chinese artistic models.

The Chinese Traditional Theatre, which has more than 300 living varieties today, is a holistic theatre form integrating poetry, music, dance and acrobatics –with the performer’s art always sitting in a centrally dominating position.  Drawing from his  vast research and teaching resources, Prof. Ye will give an animated account of how the Chinese have evolved this unique system of expressionistic conventions over a long history development.  Prof. Ye will dwell extensively on the aesthetic characteristics of xiqu, and in particular the Kun Opera and Beijing Opera.

The development of the contemporary drama of China (called huaju - spoken drama – to distinguish itself from the sung theatre) since its founding around 1900, has undergone two climaxes.  From the late 1920’s to the early 1930’s and from the late 1970’s to the early 1980’s. The first climax evolved in step with the development of the modernist drama in the West, although it was somewhat confined to the introduction of translated works and imitations.  The second climax was, however, an inevitable and direct outcome of China’s reform and opening-up to the outside world after the Cultural Revolutions; as such, the substance of this recent climax has been more abundant and more complex.  Mr. Lin’s long career as a leading critic promises a insightful and richly layered lecture.

For enquiries, please call Yvonne or Siew Fang at 5614809.

Presented by Action Theatre

Conceptualised, produced & directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham

Music & lyrics by Ken Low  Book by Ming Wong

Orchestration: Iskandar Ismail  Choreography: Mohd Noor Sarman

Opens 5 Jan 2001     Kallang Theatre

Presented by Wild Rice

Saturday 10 Feb 2001

Presented by Arts Theatre of Singapore

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