为中印艺术交流“点灯”——“今日中国”艺术周中国芭蕾印度起舞

文本刊记者 张亚萌 ZHANG Yameng 图侯扬 HOU Yang

那格浦尔苏莱巴剧场演出后，嘉宾与演员合影Group photos of guests and performers after performances at Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur

在印度的传统习俗中，每当有重要演出，人们总会在开演前举行神圣的点灯仪式。2月1日，这一仪式在印度新德里西里堡剧场举行——由中国文联、印度文化关系委员会、中国驻印度大使馆主办，中国舞协、广州芭蕾舞团、印度音乐家联合会承办的“今日中国”艺术周中国芭蕾舞专场演出在这里拉开帷幕。

2016年，中国文联与印度文化关系委员会正式签署《合作备忘录》，为双方建立机制性的交流合作奠定良好基础。2017年5月，在北京和南京，中国文联与印度文化关系委员会联合主办了“多彩印度”文化节，包括印度歌舞演出、佛教文化遗产摄影展和印度电影展映等丰富内容，受到中国观众的欢迎和喜爱。作为回访，本次以“中国的方式”展现给印度观众的中国芭蕾舞专场，于2月1日在新德里西里堡剧场、2月5日在那格浦尔苏莱芭剧场举办两场演出。中国文联书记处书记陈建文，中国驻印度大使罗照辉，中国驻孟买总领事郑曦原，印度文化关系委员会主任列娃·达斯，印度音乐家联合会秘书长基硕·扎瓦迪，那格浦尔市市长楠达·基什卡，以及中国文联国际联络部、中国舞协等有关方面负责人和两场共计3800名观众共襄盛举，感受“今日中国”的芭蕾艺术魅力。

“中国与印度同为世界文明古国，有着悠久的历史和灿烂的文化。两国的文化交流在2000多年的时间里绵延不断，两国人民的友谊源远流长。进入新世纪以来，中印文化交流不断丰富发展，促进了两国人民之间的相互了解。”陈建文在2月1日举行的“今日中国”艺术周开幕式上表示。

中国故事传达出超越国界的情感

“我们这次芭蕾交流演出选择的剧目，秉持‘不同题材不同形式，共同展现中国芭蕾特色’的宗旨，既有经典芭蕾选段，又有中国题材的芭蕾作品。”广州芭蕾舞团副团长张毅说。

演出大幕拉开，广州芭蕾舞团的舞者们为印度观众奉献了古典芭蕾舞中最受欢迎的《天鹅湖》第二幕，这部将古典芭蕾和浪漫主义芭蕾有机融合的作品，侧面展现了中国芭蕾集体舞的水平。随后，充分展示芭蕾舞演员技巧的《古典大双人舞》和相当有知名度的《天鹅湖》三幕双人舞接连上演，绽放中国芭蕾的光彩。“古典盛宴”之后，还得换换口味：由埃尔顿·约翰作曲、琼那斯·库克编导的爵士芭蕾《千头万绪》的“爵士味儿”，让印度观众感受到中国艺术与国际潮流的融会，现场喝彩声不断。

“我们舞团这些年曾到澳大利亚、俄罗斯、德国、英国、法国、美国等国家演出，我们发现，中国的芭蕾舞团演中国的作品，最受当地观众欢迎。”张毅说。事实的确如此——广州芭蕾舞团本次带来的中国芭蕾《舞越潇湘》，选用中国古琴音乐，以写意的手法，表现了大自然的行云流水，以及天地间的和谐；舞台上勾画出一幅流动变换的画面，让在场观众耳目一新。此次专场演出的下半场则全部“交给”中国经典交响芭蕾舞剧《梁山伯与祝英台》 。这部舞剧以芭蕾的形式将“中国的罗密欧与朱丽叶”的内蕴转化为舞蹈艺术形象，用芭蕾语言淋漓尽致地表现了“生为同室亲、死为同穴尘”的爱情主题，感染在场所有观众，中国故事传达出超越国界的情感。

“芭蕾源自欧洲，这一古典艺术在中国得到了很好的发展，《红色娘子军》和《白毛女》是两部里程碑式的中国芭蕾舞剧，以其独有的中国特色为世界各国所熟知。我们把中国的本土艺术带到印度，通过中国芭蕾舞者的精彩演出，阐释中国艺术家对艺术真善美的执着追求和时代风采，希望得到印度民众的喜爱，更期待产生情感共鸣。”“今日中国”艺术周艺术团团长、中国舞协副秘书长夏小虎说。

新德里西里堡剧场演出前的点灯仪式Lighting ceremony prior to performance at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Ddlhi

“感谢中国文联把精彩的演出带到印度”

“梁祝”的爱情感动印度观众，也感动了西里堡剧场的灯丝——《梁山伯与祝英台》演到“化蝶”的最高潮，突然全场漆黑，停电了！但舞者们像印度观众一样“处变不惊”，沉着应对，当灯光再次亮起，音乐再次响起，演出继续，中国芭蕾舞者高水准的专业素养和精湛舞姿赢得观众最热烈的掌声与喝彩。

作为中国文联每年在境外推出的综合性的中国当代艺术展演交流活动，自2004年以来已在15个国家和地区成功举办了13届的“今日中国”艺术周此番印度首秀，自然还要克服“水土不服”的种种挑战，“停电”仅是芭蕾舞者们在印度需要“偶遇”的困难之一。西里堡剧场没有专门的排练厅，也没有把杆，舞者们每天的练功和排练，需要每个人拿一把椅子到舞台上完成；在那格浦尔的演出中，有舞者不慎受伤，仍坚持带伤完成了整场演出。

克服了“水土不服”带来的种种挑战，“今日中国”艺术周收获了印度主流社会的高度评价。印度著名舞蹈家鲁克米妮·查特吉观看演出后认为“中国芭蕾舞非常精彩”，她当场邀请广州芭蕾舞团再来印度演出。“中国的芭蕾和印度的卡塔克舞蹈一样，对本国的文化至关重要。芭蕾艺术的形式和音乐的形式对第一次看芭蕾演出的那格浦尔观众而言，是艺术交流的重要途径。”印度马哈拉施特拉邦立法委员会成员米林德·曼恩博士说。

“目前，中国的一所大学已开始颁发瑜伽学学士学位和硕士学位；宝莱坞电影《摔跤吧！爸爸》去年在中国收获高票房，近期印度电影《神秘巨星》也在中国广受欢迎。”谈及中印之间的文艺交流，罗照辉如数家珍，“回望历史，玄奘和菩提达摩等高僧大德梯山航海、匹马孤征，在中印间传播文明的种子。他们是中印交流的先驱，今天的芭蕾艺术家们沿着他们的足迹，继续传递两国友好”。列娃·达斯则表示，“今日中国”艺术周为印度民众了解中国艺术提供了难得机遇，印方将继续深化两国人文交流，推动中印关系不断向前发展。此次“今日中国”艺术周上的舞者们，就是当代中印艺术交流的“点灯”使者。

芭蕾的魅力和精彩的表现，吸引众多印度观众提前两个小时就在剧场外排队，在印同胞包了大巴车“组团”来看演出；更有一位印度观众在演出结束后特意跑到后台，兴奋地说：“感谢中国文联把这么精彩的演出带到印度！”今年3月，像他一样的印度公众还能再兴奋一次——2月3日，中国文联在那格浦尔举办新闻发布会，宣布中国文联将于3月18日至22日在斋浦尔举办中国电影展映活动、3月19日至23日将在孟买国家表演艺术中心展厅展出中国佛教文化摄影展——“今日中国”的艺术还将继续在印度精彩“点灯”。

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.

“今日中国”艺术周艺术团在中国驻印度大使馆合影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.

《梁山伯与祝英台》剧照Stills of Butterfly Lovers