MUSICAL HONORS A TALENT OF THE AGES

Song Dynasty poet and cultural icon continues to inspire creativity, Chen Nan reports.

Poet Su Shi (1037-1101), also known as Su Dongpo, of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is one of the most recognized Chinese cultural icons of all time. His legacy, including his calligraphy, painting and his broad influence in lots of fields, as well as his poetry, is celebrated even today.

A musical, Su Dongpo, based on Su's lifetime story will premiere at Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on May 4 and will run until May 8.

Songwriter Shen Qing composed nine songs with lyrics adapted from Su's famous ci poems, including The Mid-Autumn Festival (to the tune of "Prelude to Water Melody") and Memories of the Past at Red Cliff (to the tune of "Charm of a Maiden Singer"). Ci poetry is a specific type of rhythmic, tonal delivery popular during the Song Dynasty.