BEIJING: A dance drama titled “Adi Kavya – The First Poem,” inspired by a Chinese translation of the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, was presented by a group of Chinese artists in Beijing. The performance, which has been staged for the third time in the Chinese capital, aims to foster cultural exchange between India and China.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the production is based on the Ramayana translated by renowned Chinese scholar Professor Ji Xianlin. The dance drama was directed by Jin Shanshan, a Chinese exponent of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form. The cast comprised over 50 local performers who presented the narrative through dance and theatrical elements.
The event took place at the premises of the former Indian Embassy in Beijing and was attended by the outgoing Indian Ambassador, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, along with other embassy officials. Ambassador Rawat is scheduled to retire later this month and will be succeeded by Vikram Doraiswami, the current Indian Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Organizers reported that approximately 200 individuals attended the performance, with a significant portion of the audience comprising Chinese nationals and members of the diplomatic community residing in Beijing. This marked the third presentation of the dance drama in Beijing, following its initial staging in January of the previous year.
In a previous cultural initiative, the Indian Embassy in Beijing had organized a symposium titled “Sangamam – A Confluence of Indian philosophical traditions.” This event featured Chinese scholars who shared insights on the Bhagavad Gita and broader Indian civilizational values, underscoring a growing interest in Indian culture and philosophy within China.
The Chenab Times News Desk