The year of 2024 is the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 940th anniversary of the birth of Li Qingzhao, foremost talented woman in Chinese literature history. To celebrate the two important anniversaries, further promote the inheritance of fine traditional culture, and foster cultural confidence and strength, Shanghai Dance Theatre has newly presented Dance Drama Azure After the Rain.

 

 

The dance drama centres around the tumultuous life of the famous Song Dynasty poetess Li Qingzhao, also known as "foremost talented woman in Chinese literature history" and “a master in Ci poetry”. By showcasing Li’s romantic and grand spiritual world from a modern and creative perspective, the drama aims to promote patriotic sentiments, disseminate outstanding traditional Chinese culture, and contribute to the construction of a socialist cultural powerhouse with such touching works.

 

 

Azure After the Rain has been selected as a major artistic creation project by the Shanghai Cultural Development Foundation, Key Theme for New Stage Creations by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the PRC, and is funded by the China National Arts Fund. Dance Drama Azure After the Rain has had her World Premiere on November 17th 2024, as the Grand Opening Ceremony Performance of The 23rd China Shanghai International Arts Festival.

 

Plot Summary
In the bustling and culturally vibrant capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, young Li Qingzhao emerged like a bright star. Her poetry style was fresh and radiant, and her literary brilliance eclipsed all other talented scholars. During the Lantern Festival, Li Qingzhao encountered Zhao Mingcheng, and the two fell deeply in love at first sight. Their marriage was a fruitful one, two soulmates shared similar interests in literature and antiquities, yet happiness did not bless them forever. After the Jingkang Incident, officials fled from their positions and civilians scattered from their homes, and the land was left in devastation. Li Qingzhao was overwhelmed with grief and indignation. Standing by the Wujiang River, she lamented the past and the present, expressing her deep patriotic fervour.

Zhao Mingcheng, ashamed by his cowardice in the abandonment of his position, succumbed to illness and passed away. In the desolate late autumn of Jiangnan, Li Qingzhao carried their precious collection of antiques and migrated to the south. In loneliness and despair, she encountered Zhang Ruzhou, a man who coveted her treasures and deceived her into marriage. Her hope for finding protection was shattered, but this betrayal awakened her. She fiercely fought back and successfully sued Zhang Ruzhou for a divorce. Reborn from the ashes like a phoenix, Li Qingzhao resumed the compilation of the Catalogue of Inscriptions on Metal and Stone, continuing Chinese cultural legacy.

"After the rain, the sky clears, and the clouds break apart, revealing a jade-like scene-yet it is more beautiful than jade." Though it should be the season when green leaves flourish and red flowers fade, the crab-apple blossoms still bloom. After a thousand years, Li Qingzhao remains unparalleled. In the realm of Ci poetry, among a galaxy of talented poets, Li Qingzhao, the greatest poetess of all time, towered above all, surpassing her male counterparts. Her unique poetic style remains unmatched at all times.