CRI听力：Dance Drama: "A Handful of Wild Jujubes"

A tragic love story, set against the historical backdrop of Shanxi merchants, has wowed theatre-goers in China. Huajin Dance Ensemble from Shanxi Province has deeply moved audiences with the classic dance work, "A Handful of Wild Jujubes".

The choreography of aesthetic merits and stage design, strongly featuring local cultures, depict the ancient and unique Shanxi merchant lifestyle; and most importantly, chant the universal and timeless theme of love.

When it was staged in Taiwan this June, the performance found not only aesthetic appreciation but also enormous nostalgic echoes. Our reporter Ning Yan tells us more.

Reporter:

Indeed, A Handful of Wild Jujubes is a showcase of folk Shanxi dance and music, puppet shows, architecture, and, after all, the unique lifestyle and culture of this ancient finance center in north China.     
   
The wild jujube was indigenous to Shanxi Province at the end of 19th century, the time when the five-act dance is set. Wild Jujube is the name of the heroine who falls in love with a young apprentice, with the story ending in tragedy as the lovers are killed by eating a handful of poisonous wild jujubes.

Producer of the dance drama, Li Li, explains why the story is tuned to the theme of love.      

"Love is universal and timeless. No matter where you are from or which language you speak, you can understand the deep affections expressed through this dance. Some say it is Chinese version of Romeo and Juliet, though, I think the way of expressing love differs from country to country. We Chinese are reserved and the love between Wild Jujube and the apprentice is secret, so the choreography tends to bring this out."

The story starts with the death of the wealthy merchant Yin. He leaves a failing business, a widowed mother and a retarded son. The housekeeper plots to obtain Yin's property, so he forces his daughter named Wild Jujube to marry the retarded son so as to inherit Yin's business and fortune by right and title.

But Wild Jujube loves a young apprentice of Yin's family, which infuriates the housekeeper, who tries to stop their secret love affair.

Set against the backdrop that Shanxi merchants evolved to be a historic phenomenon with wealth, the drama is reeled off with full appreciation to the unique culture derived from the heyday of Shanxi.

"Shanxi merchants established a reputation for holding onto the traditional principles of being honest and credible in businesses. That's why Shanxi enjoyed nearly one hundred years of financial dominance across China running Piaohao, an early form of bank. What's more, the strong family loyalties of those living in Shanxi coupled with ethics of diligence, thrift and teamwork brought about a thriving merchant culture that endured for some 500 years."

True to their roots, these merchants would bring their wealth back to their homes where their families had long been settled and they built impressive mansions. To retrace and reappear the particular lifestyles and cultural traits of Shanxi merchants, the choreographers reach deep into the roots of Shanxi folk arts in search of source for ideas and inspirations. 

During the performance, audiences can find many impressive details depicting real life pictures of Shanxi back a hundred years ago: the hard working apprentices, who speak for the perseverance and devotion of Shanxi merchants; and women who are brave to pursue their own happiness, yet, trying to hold back their flaming passion.

The ballads featuring children's chanting, classic fan dance, and drum dance are all indigenous art forms featuring strong Shanxi flavors. And the choreography designs of a traditional wedding ceremony and the camel caravans which carry the wealth and hope for Shanxi businessmen perfectly revive the old memories through modern dancing forms.

As the head coach, Guo Jun, says the cultural concept and brilliant performance portraying Shanxi merchants are, in return, a perfect foil to the drama's theme of love.

"The whole idea is really something of a trailblazer. Brimming over with elements of Shanxi folk arts, the dance drama gives a vivid description of the local customs and traditions. A symbolic design is the way that the apprentice expresses his love to the heroine, Wild Jujube, by embracing her from behind, which vividly depicts his shyness and tenderness and the reserved nature of the lovers."

Deep as this love runs, however, the secret relationship is still forbidden in the old days. In the final act, the innocent romance ended with that the two lovers ate a handful poisoned wild jujubes and died in regret and reluctance to their vowed love. For this full-length dance, a series of touching pas de deux is choreographed between Wild Jujube and the young apprentice, which have all the audiences caught up in emotion.

Both the brilliant choreography and touching story have made the dance drama, A Handful Wilde Jujubes, a great success on stage. When it was presented in Taiwan this June, the performance aroused heated response among the local audiences. Professor Zhang Xiao-Xiong from Arts College of Dance of Taipei University tells us he was overwhelmed with the charm of the indigenous culture as he watched the show.

"The stage setting is marvelous. It brings out and elaborates on the cultural elements from the locals' life. For instance, the details of Shanxi merchant's courtyard are amplified on the stage; and it is indeed a visual treat."

As an expert on choreography, Zhang Xiaoxiong, believes the human concerns and cultural identity have made this handful of wild jujubes delectably chewy and uniquely tasteful.

"Humans share the similar values for love, truth and virtues; we can find these cultural messages from this show. What's more, it showcased the special cultural merits only to be found on this land of Shanxi. With incorporation of the shared human concerns and highlighted cultural features, this dance drama is no wonder can arouse strong resonance from audiences no matter where he or she is from."