為中印藝術交流“點燈”
——“今日中國”藝術周中國芭蕾印度起舞

文本刊記者 張亞萌 ZHANG Yameng 圖侯揚 HOU Yang

那格浦爾蘇萊巴劇場演出后，嘉賓與演員合影Group photos of guests and performers after performances at Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur

在印度的傳統習俗中，每當有重要演出，人們總會在開演前舉行神圣的點燈儀式。2月1日，這一儀式在印度新德里西里堡劇場舉行——由中國文聯、印度文化關系委員會、中國駐印度大使館主辦，中國舞協、廣州芭蕾舞團、印度音樂家聯合會承辦的“今日中國”藝術周中國芭蕾舞專場演出在這里拉開帷幕。

2016年，中國文聯與印度文化關系委員會正式簽署《合作備忘錄》，為雙方建立機制性的交流合作奠定良好基礎。2017年5月，在北京和南京，中國文聯與印度文化關系委員會聯合主辦了“多彩印度”文化節，包括印度歌舞演出、佛教文化遺產攝影展和印度電影展映等豐富內容，受到中國觀眾的歡迎和喜愛。作為回訪，本次以“中國的方式”展現給印度觀眾的中國芭蕾舞專場，于2月1日在新德里西里堡劇場、2月5日在那格浦爾蘇萊芭劇場舉辦兩場演出。中國文聯書記處書記陳建文，中國駐印度大使羅照輝，中國駐孟買總領事鄭曦原，印度文化關系委員會主任列娃·達斯，印度音樂家聯合會秘書長基碩·扎瓦迪，那格浦爾市市長楠達·基什卡，以及中國文聯國際聯絡部、中國舞協等有關方面負責人和兩場共計3800名觀眾共襄盛舉，感受“今日中國”的芭蕾藝術魅力。

“中國與印度同為世界文明古國，有著悠久的歷史和燦爛的文化。兩國的文化交流在2000多年的時間里綿延不斷，兩國人民的友誼源遠流長。進入新世紀以來，中印文化交流不斷豐富發展，促進了兩國人民之間的相互了解?！标惤ㄎ脑?月1日舉行的“今日中國”藝術周開幕式上表示。

中國故事傳達出超越國界的情感

“我們這次芭蕾交流演出選擇的劇目，秉持‘不同題材不同形式，共同展現中國芭蕾特色’的宗旨，既有經典芭蕾選段，又有中國題材的芭蕾作品?！睆V州芭蕾舞團副團長張毅說。

演出大幕拉開，廣州芭蕾舞團的舞者們為印度觀眾奉獻了古典芭蕾舞中最受歡迎的《天鵝湖》第二幕，這部將古典芭蕾和浪漫主義芭蕾有機融合的作品，側面展現了中國芭蕾集體舞的水平。隨后，充分展示芭蕾舞演員技巧的《古典大雙人舞》和相當有知名度的《天鵝湖》三幕雙人舞接連上演，綻放中國芭蕾的光彩?！肮诺涫⒀纭敝?，還得換換口味：由埃爾頓·約翰作曲、瓊那斯·庫克編導的爵士芭蕾《千頭萬緒》的“爵士味兒”，讓印度觀眾感受到中國藝術與國際潮流的融會，現場喝彩聲不斷。

“我們舞團這些年曾到澳大利亞、俄羅斯、德國、英國、法國、美國等國家演出，我們發現，中國的芭蕾舞團演中國的作品，最受當地觀眾歡迎?！睆堃阏f。事實的確如此——廣州芭蕾舞團本次帶來的中國芭蕾《舞越瀟湘》，選用中國古琴音樂，以寫意的手法，表現了大自然的行云流水，以及天地間的和諧；舞臺上勾畫出一幅流動變換的畫面，讓在場觀眾耳目一新。此次專場演出的下半場則全部“交給”中國經典交響芭蕾舞劇《梁山伯與祝英臺》 。這部舞劇以芭蕾的形式將“中國的羅密歐與朱麗葉”的內蘊轉化為舞蹈藝術形象，用芭蕾語言淋漓盡致地表現了“生為同室親、死為同穴塵”的愛情主題，感染在場所有觀眾，中國故事傳達出超越國界的情感。

“芭蕾源自歐洲，這一古典藝術在中國得到了很好的發展，《紅色娘子軍》和《白毛女》是兩部里程碑式的中國芭蕾舞劇，以其獨有的中國特色為世界各國所熟知。我們把中國的本土藝術帶到印度，通過中國芭蕾舞者的精彩演出，闡釋中國藝術家對藝術真善美的執著追求和時代風采，希望得到印度民眾的喜愛，更期待產生情感共鳴?！薄敖袢罩袊彼囆g周藝術團團長、中國舞協副秘書長夏小虎說。

新德里西里堡劇場演出前的點燈儀式Lighting ceremony prior to performance at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Ddlhi

“感謝中國文聯把精彩的演出帶到印度”

“梁?！钡膼矍楦袆佑《扔^眾，也感動了西里堡劇場的燈絲——《梁山伯與祝英臺》演到“化蝶”的最高潮，突然全場漆黑，停電了！但舞者們像印度觀眾一樣“處變不驚”，沉著應對，當燈光再次亮起，音樂再次響起，演出繼續，中國芭蕾舞者高水準的專業素養和精湛舞姿贏得觀眾最熱烈的掌聲與喝彩。

作為中國文聯每年在境外推出的綜合性的中國當代藝術展演交流活動，自2004年以來已在15個國家和地區成功舉辦了13屆的“今日中國”藝術周此番印度首秀，自然還要克服“水土不服”的種種挑戰，“停電”僅是芭蕾舞者們在印度需要“偶遇”的困難之一。西里堡劇場沒有專門的排練廳，也沒有把桿，舞者們每天的練功和排練，需要每個人拿一把椅子到舞臺上完成；在那格浦爾的演出中，有舞者不慎受傷，仍堅持帶傷完成了整場演出。

克服了“水土不服”帶來的種種挑戰，“今日中國”藝術周收獲了印度主流社會的高度評價。印度著名舞蹈家魯克米妮·查特吉觀看演出后認為“中國芭蕾舞非常精彩”，她當場邀請廣州芭蕾舞團再來印度演出?！爸袊陌爬俸陀《鹊目ㄋ宋璧敢粯?，對本國的文化至關重要。芭蕾藝術的形式和音樂的形式對第一次看芭蕾演出的那格浦爾觀眾而言，是藝術交流的重要途徑?！庇《锐R哈拉施特拉邦立法委員會成員米林德·曼恩博士說。

“目前，中國的一所大學已開始頒發瑜伽學學士學位和碩士學位；寶萊塢電影《摔跤吧！爸爸》去年在中國收獲高票房，近期印度電影《神秘巨星》也在中國廣受歡迎?！闭劶爸杏≈g的文藝交流，羅照輝如數家珍，“回望歷史，玄奘和菩提達摩等高僧大德梯山航海、匹馬孤征，在中印間傳播文明的種子。他們是中印交流的先驅，今天的芭蕾藝術家們沿著他們的足跡，繼續傳遞兩國友好”。列娃·達斯則表示，“今日中國”藝術周為印度民眾了解中國藝術提供了難得機遇，印方將繼續深化兩國人文交流，推動中印關系不斷向前發展。此次“今日中國”藝術周上的舞者們，就是當代中印藝術交流的“點燈”使者。

芭蕾的魅力和精彩的表現，吸引眾多印度觀眾提前兩個小時就在劇場外排隊，在印同胞包了大巴車“組團”來看演出；更有一位印度觀眾在演出結束后特意跑到后臺，興奮地說：“感謝中國文聯把這么精彩的演出帶到印度！”今年3月，像他一樣的印度公眾還能再興奮一次——2月3日，中國文聯在那格浦爾舉辦新聞發布會，宣布中國文聯將于3月18日至22日在齋浦爾舉辦中國電影展映活動、3月19日至23日將在孟買國家表演藝術中心展廳展出中國佛教文化攝影展——“今日中國”的藝術還將繼續在印度精彩“點燈”。

People always hold the sacred lighting ceremony prior to every important performance, according to the tradition of India. On February 1, the ceremony was held at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi --- China ballet performance of China Today Arts Week, co-hosted by China Federation of Literature and Art Circles (CFLAC), Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Chinese Embassy in India and undertaken by Chinese Dancers Association, Guangzhou Ballet and the Indian Musicians' Federation, has kicked off here.

In 2016, the CFLAC and Indian Council for Cultural Relations have officially signed theCooperation I Memorandum, laying a solid foundation for the establishment of a mechanism of exchange and cooperation. In May, 2017, the both sides have jointly hosted the "Colorful India" Cultural Festival, witnessing a wealth of content deeply welcomed by the Chinese audiences, such as Indian song and dance performances, Buddhist cultural heritage photography exhibitions and Indian movie exhibitions and etc.As a return visit, the Chinese ballet shown this time in Chinese style will be presented to Indian audiences on February 1 at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi and two performances at the Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur on February 5. CHEN Jianwen,Secretary of the Secretariat of CFLAC, LUO Zhaohui, Chinese Ambassador to India, ZHENG Xiyuan, Consul General of China in Mumbai, Mrs. Riva Ganguly Das, Director General, ICCR, Kishor Jawade, Secretary-general of Indian Musicians' Federation,Nanda Jichkar, Mayor of Nagpur, as well as leaders of relevant departments such as the International Liaison Department of CFLAC, Chinese Dancers Association and some 3,800 audiences of two performances have jointly experience the ballet art charm of "China Today" .

"China and India are both ancient civilizations in the world,enjoying a long history and splendid cultures. The cultural exchanges between the two countries lasted for more than 2,000 years and the friendship between the two peoples dated back to ancient times. Since the beginning of the new century,the cultural exchanges between China and India have witnessed abundant development, promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples." CHEN Jianwen claimed at the opening ceremony of the "China Today" Arts Week held on February 1.

“今日中國”藝術周藝術團在中國駐印度大使館合影Group photo between Chinese ambassador in India and Troupe of "China Today" Arts Week

Chinese Stories conveying emotions transcending boundaries

"The repertoire of our ballet performances selection upholds the purposes of 'different forms of diversified themes, jointly showing the characteristics of Chinese ballet', both classical ballet excerpts, and ballet works of Chinese theme." Said ZHANG Yi, Deputy head of Guangzhou Ballet.

As the performance curtain was opened, the Guangzhou Ballet dancers provided the most popular classical balletSwan Lake Act IIto the Indian audiences, the works combining the classical ballet and romantic ballet organically, partially reflecting the level of Chinese ballet collective dance. Subsequently, theClassic Grand Pas de Deuxthat fully demonstrating the technique of ballerinas and the famousSwan Lakethree-act double dance were staged one after another, blooming the glory of Chinese ballet. After the "classical feast," it also had to change its flavors:The "Jazz Taste" ofMoody Movescomposed by Elton John and directed by Jonas Cooker led the Indian audiences to experience the integration of Chinese art and the international trend,winning continuous applauses.

"Our dance troupe has been performing in Australia, Russia,Germany, Britain, France, the United States and other countries for many years and we find that the ballet performance of China staged by the Chinese dancers is most welcomed by the local audiences" said ZHANG Yi. The fact is indeed so - the balletNatural Melodybrought by the Guangzhou Ballet has chosen Chinese Guqin music to express the flowing quality of nature and harmony between heaven and earth with a freehand brushwork.Flowing of the transformation of the screens refreshed the audiences. The second half of the special performance has been "delivered" to China's classical symphonic balletButterfly Lovers. Through the form of ballet "China's Romeo and Juliet,"it turned the intrinsic transformation into the dance art image.With language of ballet, it vividly demonstrated the theme of love "Live and Die Together", infecting all the audiences. Chinese stories convey emotions transcending boundaries.

Ballet is originated from Europe. The classical art has been well developed in China, theRed Detachment of Womenand theWhite-Haired Girlis the two landmarks of Chinese ballet, acquainted by the whole world with its unique Chinese characteristics. We bring Chinese local art to India. Through the wonderful performances of Chinese ballet dancers, we interpret the persistent pursuit and the contemporary style of Chinese artists for the truth, kindness and beauty, hoping that they will be favored by the Indian people and expect the development of emotional resonance. Said XIA Xiaohu, head of the "China Today"Arts Week art troupe and the deputy Secretary-general of the China Dancers Association.

CFLAC is appreciated for bringing excellent performances to India

The love ofButterfly Loverstouched the audiences in India and also touched the filaments of the Siri Fort Auditorium--- the whole auditorium turned into darkness suddenly without any power as the ballet climax Transformation was on. However,the dancers, like Indian audiences, were "calm" and dealt with the situation with confidence. When the lights were on again,the music raised again and the performance continued. The high standard of professionalism and dazzling dance of Chinese ballet performers have won the most enthusiastic applauses.

As a comprehensive exchange of Chinese contemporary art exhibitions launched annually by CFLAC, the 13th"Today China" Arts Week has been successfully held in 15 countries and regions since 2004, and for overcoming the challenges of"acclimatization", "blackout" was only one of the difficulties that ballet dancers needed to solve in India. There was no special rehearsal hall at the Siri Fort Auditorium and there were also no poles for dancers. Everyday practice and rehearsal required everyone to take a chair to the stage. In Nagpur's performance,there were dancers inadvertently injured, however, they still insisted on completing the entire performance with wounds.

Overcoming all kinds of challenges caused by "acclimatization","China Today" Arts Week has gained a high praise from the mainstream society in India. The famous Indian dancer Rukmini Chatterjee invited the Guangzhou Ballet to come to India again,considering that the "Chinese ballet is very exciting". "China's ballet and India's Kathak dance are vital to their own cultures.The form of ballet art and that of the music are important ways of artistic exchange for the Nagpur audiences, who watch the ballet for the first time." Said MLA Dr Milind Mane in India.

"At present, a university in China has begun to award a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in yoga. The Bollywood movieDangal! has drawn a very high box office in China last year. Recently, the Indian filmSecret Superstarwas also very popular in China." LUO Zhaohui was very much familiar when talking about the exchange of literature and art between China and India "Looking back on the history, Master Monk XUANzang and Bodhidharma and other great monks spread the seeds of civilization between the two nations through long journeys with hardships. They are pioneers in the China-Indian exchanges and today, the ballet artists continue to deliver the friendship between the two countries along their footsteps." Mrs. Riva Ganguly Das said that the "China Today" Arts week has provided a rare opportunity for Indian people to understand Chinese art. The Indian side will continue to deepen the humanistic exchanges between the two countries and promote the continuous development of the bilateral relations. The dancers on the "China Today" Arts Week are the "lighting" messengers of contemporary China-India artistic exchanges.

Ballet's charm and wonderful performances make many Indian audiences to line up outside the theatre two hours in advance,and the Chinese compatriots in India came to the performance in groups through chartered bus; even an Indian audience went to the stage background after the performance specifically,saying with great excitement:"CFLAC is appreciated for bringing excellent performances to India!" In March of this year, the Indian public, like him, can be excited again - On February 3rd,CFLAC held a news conference in Nagpur, announcing that the organization will hold the Chinese film exhibition in Jaipur from March 18thto March 22ndand the Chinese Buddhist Culture Photography Exhibition will be held from March 19thto March 23rdin the exhibition hall of Mumbai National Center for Performing Arts---"China Today" Arts Week will continue the wonderful course of lighting in India.

《梁山伯與祝英臺》劇照Stills of Butterfly Lovers