Original Musical ‘The Orphan of Zhao’ – THE ORPHAN OF ZHAO The Musical
Introduction to the Play ‘The Orphan of Zhao’ has been passed down for thousands of years, becoming a global theatrical classic filled with philosophical speculation, historical depth, and literary richness. It is an unceasing fundamental inquiry into the existence of human beings. Rooted in the cross-cultural theatrical context of the East and West, the original musical deeply integrates modern creation, presenting the entanglement of home and country, clan and individual, the paradox of emotion and reason, and the struggle between will and fate in the dramatic tragic story. It stirs the nobility and eternity of human nature with the flames of ‘righteousness’ and ‘love’. Plot Summary The cold blade cuts through the heavy weeping and prayer, and the candlelight in the distant village flickers with love and tenderness. The prestigious Zhao family, the powerful officials who overturn the court, and the grassland doctor who has just become a father, all consciously seek a way out among the layers of fate. Characters such as Cheng Ying, Tu An Jia, and the Zhao orphan shed their symbols, returning to the story in the contest between good and evil, and reappearing in the present in the choice between sacrifice and redemption, resistance or compromise, loneliness or silence, compassion or love, generosity or humiliation, coming to us in countless moments. Why is the knife of redemption raised, and where should it be directed? Performance and Reception The premiere date: May 27, 2021 Premiere location: Shanghai Cultural Plaza The musical ‘The Orphan of Zhao’ has toured for 92 performances since its premiere in 2021, covering 23 core theaters in important cities across the country, with nearly 130,000 viewers, becoming the annual box office champion project in many theaters. On April 13, 2024, it participated in the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Chinese Drama Culture Festival, becoming the first musical to be performed at the festival, causing a sensation and holding significant meaning. The play has been unanimously recognized by industry experts and widely loved by audiences. It has been continuously reported by major mainstream media such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CGTN, China Daily, Wenhui Daily, Xinmin Evening News, Jiefang Daily, and the Learning Strong Nation platform, and has repeatedly topped the Weibo hot search list. It is praised by audiences as the ‘ceiling of Chinese original musicals’ and ‘a must-see performance in one’s lifetime’. On various new media platforms, including Douban, Damai, QQ Music, Weibo, etc., audiences have enthusiastically affirmed the work with high scores and widely discussed it. The play has won the ‘2021 Shanghai Private Troupe Performance Outstanding Play Award’, the 31st Shanghai Magnolia Drama Performance Art Award for ‘Leading Role’ and ‘New Supporting Role’, ‘2022 China Performance Market Box Office List – Musical Category First Place’, the 2023 Beijing Tianqiao Musical Annual Ceremony ‘Top Ten Original Musicals of the Year’ and six individual awards, and the 2023 Performing Arts World Trend List ‘Best Original Musical of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Musical of the Year’ awards.The main visual of the play won the ‘Silver Award’ at the ‘2023 PX3 Paris Photography Award’ and the highest award ‘Platinum Award’ at the ‘2024 Graphis International Advertising Competition’, being the only Chinese work to receive the Platinum Award that year. Selected Media Reviews: ‘The comprehensive stage vocabulary of the musical tightly grasps the core contradiction, presenting ‘tragic aesthetics’ to the extreme.’ — People’s Daily ‘Led by the well-known Shanghai theater director Xu Jun, and created by artists from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, the original musical ‘The Orphan of Zhao’ premiered at the Shanghai Cultural Square, adding an innovative version full of international elements to the legend of ‘The Orphan of Zhao’ that has been passed down for hundreds of years.’ — Xinhua News Agency ‘The musical ‘The Orphan of Zhao’ is performing in Shanghai to great acclaim. It not only represents a new wave of Chinese musicals but also allows the audience to see once again the rich cultural imagery and powerful spiritual strength of Chinese theater… A well-received dramatic work cannot be separated from high-quality artistic presentation. In this meticulously produced musical ‘The Orphan of Zhao’, we see the increasingly mature artistic vision of director Xu Jun; we see Chinese musical actors like Zheng Qiyuan and Xu Junshuo shining brightly; and we also see the spirit of teamwork and mutual achievement. However, I am even more impressed by the contemporary artists’ ability to accept and transform ancient texts, making this play like ‘a moon that opens its eyes’, casting clear light into the corners that have not been illuminated.’ — Jiefang Daily ‘The most milestone significance is that this Chinese original musical has finally explained in a simple and profound way why Chinese people can ‘pay with their lives’, that is, the reverence and adherence to kindness, great love, and justice that has flowed in the blood for thousands of years. Before, none of the versions of ‘The Orphan of Zhao’, whether in opera or film, were so emotionally clear and heart-wrenching. … Wearing a mask will get soaked, remember to bring two or three spares. It’s okay for nearsighted viewers not to wear glasses, as the tears will form a convex lens that will allow you to see the clear eyes of the Orphan of Zhao.’ — Xinmin Evening News ‘As the biggest hit in this year’s Chinese musical market, the musical ‘The Orphan of Zhao’ is still on its national tour, creating waves of heat wherever it goes. The Xu Jun Drama Art Center boldly collides Eastern and Western cultures, infusing modernity into Chinese classical texts, and the creative adaptation has won the audience’s applause.’ — Wenhui Daily Open from 01/10 to 01/11, the performance time and duration are subject to the actual situation.
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