a Zuhe Niao work

The Dream of the Red Chamber is one of China’s most famous novels. Set in the 18th century, itdescribes the decline of the Jia family. With over 400 characters, several plotlines and themes, the novel has led to a multitude of visions about its “meaning”. To some it is foremost a tragic love-story that traces the relationship of Baoyu (the heir of the Jia family) with two female cousins: the melancholy Daiyu (Baoyu’s ill-fated love) and the more vivacious Baochai (his eventual wife).

In The Red Chamber, the audience visits a contemporary Red Chamber, an installation where sound and visual images interpret the novel’s key notions – illusion//reality, harmony//conflict, prosperity//decline, masculinity//femininity – against the backdrop of today's society in China. During the weekend performers invite the visitors to experience more aspects of life in the Red Chamber.

Artistic team

Concept / Artistic direction: Zhang Xian
Sound Design: Ivo Bol with Yin Yi
Film & Live video Direction: Zhou Zihan
Dancer & Performer: Li Zhen, Li Lingxi, Zhao Ke, Guo Lifen

Chinese Production Team: Zhou Zihan, Lin Yiyun
Produced by: CultureXpress / Constance Vos & Dineke Koerts