'Journey to the West' dares to be different
"Journey to the West" is among the best-known classic Chinese books and is popular among literary enthusiasts.
When the central character, Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk Xuanzang, starts to question his mission and beliefs, how should we interpret it?
Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center's production is the latest adaptation of the Chinese classic "Journey to the West."
The Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center uses vivid imagination in its interpretation of the classic. When Xuanzang, known as Tang Seng in the drama, realizes that the Buddhist sūtras (sacred texts) cannot save the world, his faith crumbles. But he refuses to give up his determination to save all sentient beings, even sacrificing his life to feed monsters.
"It's a narrative about perseverance," explained Hong Kong director Roy Szeto. "Should you persevere if you insist on something and don't get the desired result?"
According to Szeto, Tang Seng's pursuit of Buddhist sūtras is no longer the end goal of the drama but rather a means to discover his identity.
Female actors play the traditionally male roles of Tang Seng and Sun Wukong.
"Not every question has a real-world answer, and we learn throughout our lives. Despite challenges and risks, Tang Seng perseveres."
Female actors portray Tang Seng and Monkey King Sun Wukong in the performance to de-gender and convey the idea that "the characters can be everyone."
Other key characters in the play have distinct contexts. Zhu Bajie, often known as Pigsy, is adept at misleading himself and mocking others. Sha Wujing, or Sandy, is afraid of gods and Buddhas yet has a mysterious and scary history.
Impactive light and stage design are used to great effect.
The new adaptation is not textual research or criticism of the original work but borrows the plot and theme and compares the good and evil in the novel with reality.
"It would be boring to adapt a classic work into something that is easy to predict," said Szeto. "My work is not a serious drama, nor is the world. I hope that different worldviews can find responses in the theater."
The play has 21 actors and more than 100 characters. Each actor plays an average of four characters. The costumes combine silk, leather, aluminum, and even fish bone.
The journey to the West is Tang Seng's road to self-discovery.
Performance info:
Dates: Through March 10, 2pm/7:30pm
Tickets: 180-580 yuan
Venue: Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center 上海话剧艺术中心
Address: 288 Anfu Rd 安福路288号
