【Chun Shan Ya Ju】Ms. WANG Xiangqian: Musical, How to be More Popular

For the 3rd lecture of the "Meeting Intellectuals in the Spring Hills" series, we invited Ms. WANG Xiangqian, the representative of Japan’s Shiki Theatre in China and also the producer of the Chinese version of the musical "The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man". In the lecture, she shared how Shiki Theatre Company developed from a group of university students to the most popular and prestigious musical theatre company in Asia. To let musical infuse into more young people’s life, Shiki Theatre provides the lowest ticket price in the industry, which is no higher than 1/20 of young graduates’ monthly salary.

And then, Ms. WANG Xiangqian as the producer, shared with the students several interesting stories during the rehearsal. For example, although the Japanese choreographer had already designed actions for the Chinese actors, they rearranged dance actions as they were amazed to see that many Chinese actors can do somersault and handstand.

A variety of gifts were given to the audience. There were also ten lucky students who received free tickets to the musical "The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man", which was indeed a pretty welfare allowing them to get together and enjoy the musical on weekends!

Q&A in the lecture

Audience's question:

"Musicals which are shown in domestic China are of three kinds: original foreign musical, original musical and the ‘Chinesization’ musical. Which one do you think is more suitable for the Chinese current aesthetic level?"

Ms. WANG Xiangqian:

"All these three kinds have their significance to exist. Thanks to all the musical peers for their efforts of promoting excellent musicals. I am personally inclined to the ‘Chinesization’ musical, in which the two most important factors 'screenplay' and 'music' are mature enough. Both are the guarantee of the quality of musical productions."

Audience's question:

"A few days ago, I watched 'Carmen' and thought its opera scenery is very colorful and bright. I wonder if you can talk about the differences between musical and opera."

Ms. WANG Xiangqian:

"The first thing to distinguish between musical and opera is to see how the composer places his work; second is to listen to the singing techniques. Although the musical 'The Phantom Of The Opera' feels like an opera, it is still a musical as it uses popular singing techniques; third, musical is more 'down to earth'，which means the only thing you need to do is to bring yourself to the musical and enjoy."

Lecturer Introduction

Ms. WANG Xiangqian, producer and general planner of the Chinese version of the musical "The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man". She is the representative of Japan’s Shiki Theatre in China and the author of the book "The Miracle of Art and Business: Asari Keita and his Shiki Theatre".

“Chun Shan Ya Ju”  or “Meeting Intellectuals in the Spring Hills”, is one of the University's lecture series where the University will invite social elites to share with our students in form of salon or lecture to promote a discussion of thought-provoking issues or soul-touching experiences. During these events, everyone will have a chance to listen and respond on their world views, their aspirations, and intellectual taste in life.