Even in Shadows, Life's Essence Endures

“On the Stage Productions Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight and Guardian of Dreams。”

Article By Yao Kun  

From Wen Wei Po

11.12.2024

Pictured: Stills from the performances of Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight (left) and Guardian of Dreams (right). Photography for Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight. Shot by Li Yijian. Images provided by the performance team

The stage has never been short of resounding dialogue, meticulously trained choreography, or evocative dance sequences. These core theatrical elements work on our senses to achieve artistic expression. However, the recent productions “Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight” and “Guardian of Dreams” take an unconventional approach. By casting actors with physical disabilities, these works have captivated audiences with their extraordinary quality and daring vision.  

Illuminating the Humanity in Adversity  

What unites these two productions is their focus on protagonists with physical disabilities, drawing directly from real-life figures who also perform in the shows.  

The choice of subject matter is critical to any production's success. Why, then, did the creators decide to focus so intently on these particular individuals? Yu Xiuhua, despite her rural upbringing, has become one of the most celebrated and widely read contemporary poets. Her achievements are remarkable for anyone, let alone someone with cerebral palsy, caused by a traumatic birth. Similarly, Wang Qi, a blind saxophonist, lost his sight in childhood. Without any formal training, he has achieved extraordinary musical accomplishments. Simply bringing their life stories to the stage could inspire many as narratives of triumph over adversity.  

But the creators aim to go beyond mere inspiration.  

What is the meaning of life? How should one live? These timeless questions remain central to human reflection. Art, as a means of self-discovery, has long grappled with these queries. Many iconic characters in theatrical history have pursued noble goals despite despairing circumstances, confronting internal and external struggles to embody the essence of resilience and purpose. Such characters remind audiences of life's inherent meaning, offering courage and strength.  

Yu Xiuhua and Wang Qi embody the characteristics essential to true artistry.  

Yu Xiuhua's journey has been fraught with challenges, yet her poetic voice remains undiminished, moving “Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight” director Farooq to action. Despite her limited mobility due to cerebral palsy, Yu boldly embraces the stage, becoming not just the subject but also the star of this production. Her movements, while imperfect, reveal a "beautiful defiance," portraying the vulnerability and struggle of a woman seeking acceptance within and beyond herself. This artistic choice deepens the production’s themes and enhances its dramatic appeal.  

Similarly, “Guardian of Dreams” is inspired by Wang Qi’s life, tracing the journey of a young man who, after losing his sight, finds solace and purpose in the saxophone. The creators focus on his emotional and spiritual path—his confrontation with limitations and ultimate transcendence through art. These stories are not just tales of perseverance; they resonate with broader audiences, addressing universal questions about meaning and fulfillment.  

Bold Innovations in Artistic Expression  

Good storytelling needs equally compelling modes of expression. “Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight” builds its choreography on seven of Yu Xiuhua's poems, with the poet herself as the central performer. Meanwhile, the cast of “Guardian of Dreams” consists entirely of deaf dancers. These unique circumstances posed significant creative challenges, demanding groundbreaking solutions.  

“Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight” blends poetry and movement, weaving together emotion and motion into a visually and aurally mesmerizing tapestry. Cross-disciplinary techniques, such as dynamic subtitles and inventive lighting design, enhance the immersive experience. Director Farooq insisted on Yu's participation, believing her to be the ultimate interpreter of her work. Her struggle to control her movements while expressing the essence of her poetry through dance was both audacious and deeply theatrical. Her defiant vitality moved not only audiences but also her co-performers, transforming the stage into a new chapter of her life journey.  

“Guardian of Dreams” goes even further in its artistic innovation. With no dialogue or subtitles, the production relies entirely on light and shadow to convey the protagonist’s journey. A descending column of darkness symbolizes the boy’s sudden blindness, while shifting shadows evoke his struggles and isolation. In contrast, bursts of light and color represent his discovery of hope and creative energy.  

Through this interplay of light and darkness, the psychological landscape of the protagonist comes into focus. The narrative unfolds through the interplay of music and dance, with the boy’s first encounter with music marked by the haunting simplicity of individual notes. Each solitary “do,” “re,” and “mi” reverberates through the theatre, mirroring his awe and fascination. As the boy embraces his identity, his declaration—"If the world lacks light, I will be my own light"—ushers in a transformative climax.  

The saxophone, resonating with power and grace, becomes a beacon of hope as the protagonist inspires others in a modern dance of communal uplift. His triumph over darkness eloquently embodies the essence of life itself.  

Art Illuminates Life, and Life Art  

“Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight” and “Guardian of Dreams” compel us to rethink the role of art and artists with disabilities.  

Despite physical challenges, individuals with disabilities often demonstrate remarkable insight and resilience in exploring life's questions. In these productions, disabled performers transcend stereotypes to become leaders in the artistic domain, reshaping perceptions and shattering misconceptions.  

Art offers a unique avenue for self-expression and healing. As philosopher Susanne Langer noted, "Art allows us to feel life directly." It bridges the gap between the imperfect and the sublime, offering those with disabilities a path to transcend their limitations and elevate their aspirations. Kate O’Reilly, an advocate for inclusive art, emphasizes the importance of providing not just encouragement but challenges, fostering growth through artistic pursuits. Yu Xiuhua and Wang Qi exemplify this principle, finding strength and purpose in their artistic journeys.  

Moreover, their participation elevates the artistic and spiritual depth of the works. Yu’s eight-minute solo dance, which she jokingly calls “a monkey spinning in circles,” was born of grueling rehearsals and moments of self-doubt. Yet each gesture, no matter how constrained, brims with vitality, reflecting her poetic ethos: “I want to live, like red persimmons covering autumn hills… striking life’s blade with clenched fists.” Her sincerity draws audiences into her inner world, reinterpreting dance and art itself.  

Similarly, Wang Qi’s performance reveals that physical limitations pale in comparison to the impoverishment of spirit. His journey—marked by suffering, resilience, and artistic triumph—illuminates the boundless potential of the human soul. Both productions offer fresh perspectives through the lens of disability, enriching the artistic language and expanding the audience’s aesthetic horizon.  

Amid the shadows of life, these artists neither waver nor retreat. Their courage and determination to confront profound questions about existence resonate deeply, inspiring us all.  

(The author is a lecturer in playwriting at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.)