On Sept 22, the Sino-Japanese collaborative performance Voyage to the East premiered in Zhangjiagang, a county-level city of Suzhou, Jiangsu province.
A scene from the performance Voyage to the East. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]
Inspired by the sixth journey of the monk Jianzhen, who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the performance recounts how Jianzhen led a group from Huangsipu, Zhangjiagang, over a thousand years ago, enduring numerous hardships to reach Japan and spread Buddhism and culture.
The performance features a blend of traditional singing and talking arts from both China and Japan, including Suzhou Pingtan, Heyang folk songs – a Zhangjiagang national intangible cultural heritage item – Heyang Baojuan (a local singing and talking art focused on religion), Kyogen, and Rokyoku.
Combining both virtual and live-action scenes with heartfelt performances, the show beautifully illustrates Jianzhen's resilience, selflessness, and dedication, celebrating his pioneering spirit.
As a collaborative effort between artists from both nations, Voyage to the East showcases the unique charms of both Chinese and Japanese cultures while emphasizing their common roots and potential for integration. The performance marks a significant step toward deeper artistic cooperation between the two countries.
Following its premiere, Voyage to the East will tour several cities, including Yangzhou and Shanghai in China, and Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, further enhancing cultural exchange between the two nations.