On September 21, CGTN Français and Togolese artist D'mo hosted a live cultural event on BoomLive, titled "Quand l'Opéra chinois nous inspire" (How Chinese Opera Inspires Us). The event, which took place at 10 am West Africa Time, brought together artists and guests from China, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Algeria to discuss the inspiration behind Chinese opera. The event was broadcast from the historic Huguang Guildhall in Beijing, a venue renowned for its rich cultural heritage and exceptional acoustics.
The Huguang Guildhall, located in the heart of Beijing's Xicheng district, is a historic site that has hosted many prominent Chinese opera masters, including Tan Xinpei, Yu Shuyan, and Mei Lanfang. The guildhall, which houses the Chinese Opera Museum, has been restored and opened to the public, offering a unique glimpse into China's rich cultural past. The venue's exceptional acoustics and rich history made it an ideal setting for the live event, which aimed to explore the intersection of Chinese opera and global musical traditions.
Prior to the event, D'mo and the show's host, Coco, had an opportunity to learn about various forms of Chinese opera, including Peking Opera, Henan Opera, and Huangmei Opera. Under the guidance of Chinese opera masters, they learned several iconic songs and gestures, which they later reinterpreted with elements of rap. This fusion of contemporary rhythms and traditional Chinese opera provided a unique perspective on the art form.
The event featured three guests, each with their own story of discovery and inspiration. Karim Badolo from Burkina Faso discussed his experience with facial makeup and costumes in Chinese opera, drawing parallels with the traditional masks of his home country. Maissa Benali Cherif from Algeria explored the story of Hua Mulan and its resonance with North African cultural traditions. Rocco Nkanga from the Democratic Republic of Congo recognized familiar elements of African music in Chinese opera, including rhythm, bodily expression, and narrative singing.
One of the highlights of the event was a musical challenge, where D'mo reimagined an excerpt from Hua Mulan with his rap style, while Coco invited participants to identify famous arias from Western opera. Despite differences in language, costume, and style, these traditions share a common goal: to tell stories and evoke emotions through the voice. The event demonstrated that Chinese opera and Western opera have much in common, including their emphasis on vocal mastery and emotional expression.
The event concluded with a discussion on what Chinese opera means to each of the participants' countries. From Burkinabé masks to African responsorial singing, each guest found echoes of their own culture in Chinese traditions. The live event aimed to showcase the creative potential of traditional arts, highlighting the dialogue and discovery that can occur when cultures intersect.
The "Quand l'Opéra chinois nous inspire" live event was a unique celebration of cultural exchange and artistic innovation. By bringing together artists and guests from around the world, the event demonstrated the power of traditional arts to inspire and connect people across cultures. The event's success underscores the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in promoting mutual understanding and appreciation.
Key points
- The live event explored the intersection of Chinese opera and global musical traditions.
- The event featured artists and guests from China, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Algeria.
- The event was broadcast from the historic Huguang Guildhall in Beijing, a venue renowned for its rich cultural heritage and exceptional acoustics.
