On the evenings of November 27^th and 28^th, "Legend of the White Snake", the original ballet production by the Guangzhou Ballet Theatre, was splendidly performed at the Hangzhou Grand Theater of the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music. This performance marked two unique achievements: it was the only ballet drama in the 18^th China Theatre Festival and the only production to have two performances in this session of the theatre festival.

The China Theatre Festival, which was established in 1988 and is held biennially, serves as a crucial platform for talent development, fostering creativity, and showcasing outstanding theatrical works nationwide. This festival stands as a high-profile and high-level artistic event in the field of theatrical arts in China.

Although the ballet drama "Legend of the White Snake" had previously graced the stage three times in Hangzhou, tickets for its performances at the Hangzhou Grand Theatre of Zhejiang Conservatory of Music were sold out early, with both shows witnessing a full house. From the opening to the closing curtain, the audience gave standing ovations, and the actors received applause multiple times.

As one of China's four major folk love legends, "Legend of the White Snake" is not only widely spread in China, but also one of the most foundational classic mythological stories. The Guangzhou Ballet Theater, once again collaborating with the nationally renowned director Wang Ge, has reinterpreted the essence of "Legend of the White Snake", innovating and breaking through the familiar ancient folk tale.

On the one hand, by boldly employing the artistic form of ballet, integrating Chinese classical aesthetics, introducing additional characters and plotlines, and elevating the tension and theatricality of the narrative, the production makes daring innovations that resonate with modern interpretations of love and align with contemporary aesthetic preferences.

On the other hand, the production delves into the rich and diverse creative forms of traditional Chinese opera and endeavors to incorporate artistic techniques from puppet shows. It creates a vibrant aesthetic in drama through a "tragic comedy" approach, employs humor and wit to convey Eastern culture and philosophy, and uses a more realistic expression to dispel the enchantment of traditional imagination. This exploration pioneers a new stage expression for ballet drama within the realm of light comedy genres, delivering a unique and invigorating experience for the audience.

According to the designated representative from the Guangzhou Ballet Theatre, since its debut in July this year, the ballet drama "Legend of the White Snake" has garnered praise from audiences across the country during its tour. The ballet drama has been commended for its humorous and distinctive performance style, adaptable and expressive stage presentation, as well as its captivating plot development.

The production has secured placement in several prestigious projects, including the China National Arts Fund's 2023 annual funding initiative for large-scale stage plays and artistic creations, the 6th batch of key support projects for literary and artistic masterpieces in Guangzhou in 2022, and the Guangzhou Municipal Cultural and Tourism Industry Development Special Fund project titled "Support for the Initial Stage of Fine Play Creation".

It is reported that the ballet drama "Legend of the White Snake" will be featured as one of the performances in the series commemorating the 30^th anniversary of the Guangzhou Ballet Theatre, gracing the stage at the Guangzhou Opera House from December 14^th to December 15^th. Following this, the ballet drama will embark on a tour to cities including Urumqi and Zhengzhou.

Source :Yangcheng Evening News

广芭精品芭蕾舞剧《白蛇传》亮相中国戏剧节

11月27-28日晚，广州芭蕾舞剧院原创力作芭蕾舞剧《白蛇传》在浙江音乐学院大剧院精彩上演。本次演出，芭蕾舞剧《白蛇传》创了两项“唯一”：第十八届中国戏剧节中唯一一部舞剧，也是本届戏剧节中唯一一部演出两场的作品。

中国戏剧节创办于1988年，每两年举办一次。它是培养人才、促进创作、展示全国优秀戏剧创作成果的重要平台，是我国戏剧艺术领域高规格、高水平的艺术盛会。

尽管已是三赴杭州，本次《白蛇传》在浙江音乐学院大剧院的演出门票还是早早售罄，两场演出均座无虚席。幕启幕落间，观众纷纷起立鼓掌，演员们数度谢幕。

作为中国四大民间爱情传说之一，《白蛇传》是中国流传最广，同时也是国民基础最高的经典神话故事之一。广州芭蕾舞剧院再度携手国家一级导演王舸对《白蛇传》的内核进行重塑，将这个耳熟能详的古老民间故事进行创新、突破。

一方面，大胆运用芭蕾舞的艺术形式进行表达，融合中国古典美学，加入更多的人物和情节，增强故事的张力和戏剧性，做出大胆且切合时下人们对爱情理解与审美需要的创新。

另一方面，在已有的丰富多元的创作形式上，尝试借鉴偶剧的艺术手法，“悲剧喜做”打造丰富的戏剧审美形态，以诙谐幽默的方式去传递东方文化和东方哲学，用更现实主义的表达为传统的想象祛魅，探索芭蕾舞剧在轻喜剧类型创作上的舞台新表达，令人耳目一新。

广州芭蕾舞剧院相关负责人表示，自今年7月上演以来，芭蕾舞剧《白蛇传》凭借诙谐独特的表演风格，灵活写意又张力十足的舞台呈现，以及引人入胜的情节发展，在全国巡演中受到各地观众的好评。

目前，该剧已被列入国家艺术基金2023年度大型舞台剧和作品创作资助项目、2022年广州市第六批文艺精品重点扶持项目及广州市文化和旅游产业发展专项资金“精品剧目创排-创作剧目前期扶持”项目等。

据悉，芭蕾舞剧《白蛇传》将作为广州芭蕾舞剧院成立30周年系列演出之一，于12月14-15日再登广州大剧院舞台。随后，该剧还将前往乌鲁木齐、郑州等城市巡演。

文 | 记者 黄宙辉 通讯员 鲁娃
图 | 广州芭蕾舞剧院提供
责编 | 王楠
校对 | 桂晴