Poetic Dance – The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting Makes Its U.S. Premiere to Ring in the New Year
LAPost/San Diego, Ca (January 1, 2025) – From December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the poetic dance drama The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, presented by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, graced the Civic Theatre in San Diego, welcoming the arrival of 2025 with the beauty of Eastern art. As a distinguished cultural and artistic representation of China, this production draws inspiration from the renowned Northern Song Dynasty painting A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains and reimagines the thousand-year-old masterpiece through the lens of contemporary art. Since its premiere in 2021, the production has staged over 650 performances globally, earning widespread acclaim. This New Year’s Eve performance marked its first appearance in the United States and served as the grand finale of its 2024 international tour. As a cultural gift commemorating the 45th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations, it opens a new chapter in fostering cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Eastern Aesthetics Captivate the West: A Spectacular New Year’s Eve Performance
The Civic Theatre in San Diego was packed to capacity for the performance of The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting on New Year’s Eve. Over 2,000 audience members gathered to witness this exceptional stage production, which has garnered widespread attention and acclaim worldwide. The drama, inspired by the story of Xi Meng, a young painter from the Northern Song Dynasty, and A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains, unfolds through the perspective of a modern Palace Museum researcher tasked with unrolling ancient scrolls.
The production comprises seven chapters—“Unfolding the Scroll,” “Tracing the Seal,” “Reeling the Silk,” “Pursuing the Stone,” “Making the Brush,” “Grinding the Ink,” and “Into the Painting.” Using the language of dance and a fusion of virtual and physical spaces, the performance delves into themes of traditional craftsmanship, classical aesthetics, and the spirit of Chinese culture. It bridges the philosophical intersections of tradition and modernity, life and the cosmos, presenting a boundless Chinese vista with the enduring allure of green landscapes.
The breathtaking performance received thunderous applause from the audience. Many were deeply moved by the exquisite expression of Eastern aesthetics. “It’s a feast for the eyes and the soul,” exclaimed one local attendee. “Even without dialogue, the dancers perfectly conveyed the essence of Chinese landscape painting through body language, giving us a unique glimpse into Chinese art.” Another spectator shared, “While I may not fully grasp the cultural nuances behind the ink and brushstrokes, I was profoundly captivated by the elegance of the dance and the intricate stage design.”
Bridging Cultures: Chinese and American Artists Unite
On December 30, the cast and crew of The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting visited the San Diego XinJian Dance School for an artistic exchange event. During masterclasses and meet-and-greets, Chinese and American artists engaged in vibrant, in-depth discussions. Chief directors Zhou Liya and Han Zhen, stylist Jia Lei, and lead performers Zhang Han, Xie Suhao, and Yuan Jiaying shared insights into the creative concepts and performance techniques behind the production, showcasing the seamless integration of traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern stagecraft.
American students and teachers expressed keen interest in Chinese culture, finding inspiration and beauty in the shared artistic dialogue. “This production transcends language barriers,” remarked Zhou Liya and Han Zhen. “International audiences can fully appreciate its essence through the language of movement. Art is the universal language that connects hearts across borders.”
The highlight of the event was the masterclass, where lead performers guided participants through dance sequences, offering patient instruction. Attendees ranged from professional dancers to beginners passionate about Chinese culture, all experiencing the unique pursuit of form, intent, and spirit in Chinese dance. Enthusiasm ran high, with local fans and even some traveling from San Francisco joining the event. Some participants wore custom T-shirts featuring elements from The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, adding a special touch to the gathering. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” one attendee noted. “Tickets are hard to get in China, let alone seeing the full cast perform here. I hope more Chinese productions will come to the U.S. in the future to showcase the beauty of Chinese art and culture.”
Renewing Artistic Vitality: Ushering in a New Era of Cultural Exchange
In 2024, The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting achieved tremendous success with performances in Singapore, Turkey. Its premiere in the U.S. exemplifies the unique charm of Eastern aesthetics, showcasing the openness, inclusiveness, and confidence of Chinese culture.
On January 4, Dance of Oriental will premiere in Los Angeles, continuing the artistic journey of cultural exchange. With compelling productions like The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, the China Oriental Performing Arts Group aims to deepen mutual understanding and appreciation, share the vibrancy of young Chinese artists, and highlight the enduring value of traditional Chinese culture in the modern world.
