A new stage production, Yin Feng Qi, promises to immerse audiences in the world of ancient China through the life of the famous female poet Xie Daoyun. The show offers a fresh experience that combines classical Chinese literature with innovative stage design.
The title Yin Feng Qi, meaning “Rising by the Wind,” is inspired by a well-known line from Xie Daoyun. She once described snowflakes as “willow catkins rising by the wind,” a poetic image that has become iconic in Chinese culture.
Created by China Dream Live Entertainment (CDE Live), Beijing Changjiang Culture Co., and the team behind The Chinese Poetry Competition, Yin Feng Qi features six poetic scenes. The production draws on art and culture from the Wei and Jin dynasties (220-420), with a narrative that transports the audience a thousand years back in time.
Born in 340, Xie Daoyun was a poet, scholar, calligrapher, and an accomplished debater in the Eastern Jin dynasty. She became a symbol of female intellect in Chinese history.
In the play, Xie Daoyun receives an exceptional education, supported by her father, despite the societal limitations on women at the time. After his mysterious death, she embarks on a journey to uncover a criminal conspiracy involving powerful families. The story explores her moral dilemma as she decides between seeking revenge and fulfilling her duties to family and country.
This production is the first live stage adaptation of The Chinese Poetry Competition, a popular Chinese TV show that celebrates poetry and culture.
Director Zhang Xiao, speaking at a press event on March 31 in Beijing, said, “Xie Daoyun is one of history’s brightest intellectuals. We’ve explored the gaps in historical records, offering fresh interpretations of her story and relationships.”
Music director Qi Boli emphasized the importance of the score, combining traditional Chinese instruments with modern sound technology to create an immersive experience for today’s audience.
Costume designer Cao Tingting used a variety of styles to distinguish between character types, from scholars to commoners. Lighting designer Yang Fan crafted dynamic settings that evolve with the story, transforming the play into a vivid, poetic experience.
Producers of Yin Feng Qi note that the show portrays complex characters from the Eastern Jin period, a time often overlooked in history. The production captures the wit and resilience of its characters in a time of political unrest, reflecting China’s growing focus on cultural storytelling.
Yin Feng Qi will debut at the Nanyang Gongxiangji Theatre in Beijing on April 3.
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