Chinese dance drama 'Confucius' captivates Japanese audience

The legacy of Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC) was told in a dance drama in Tokyo on Monday and Tuesday to mark the 45th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

Originally created by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater (CNODDT), "Confucius" was staged at the Shinjuku cultural center and won thunderous applause for its profound artistic value and rich cultural background, telling the story of Confucius traveling far and wide to spread his philosophy of peace and harmony.

"As a 77th-generation descendant of Confucius, I created the dance drama 'Confucius'. It's a cultural as well as a thought collision to bring the dance drama 'Confucius' to Japan on behalf of China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater and so I'm very happy," said Kong Dexin, director of the CNODDT.

The dance drama is consisted of solo, duo and group dances. With elaborate choreography, the whole drama creates an atmosphere for people to find themselves in a realm where ancient elements and contemporary modernism are one.

(CGTN)