This past weekend in Paris, audiences were moved by the Chinese dance drama Deep in Memory 🎭. Directed by Tong Ruirui, the performance revives a deeply tragic page in China's history: the Nanjing Massacre, which took place in 1937-38 when invading Japanese troops captured Nanjing on the Chinese mainland.
At the heart of the story is Iris Chang, the Chinese-American writer behind The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II. Through graceful choreography and dramatic scenes, the show brings Chang's journey to life as she connects with firsthand witnesses and survivors.
Key figures from Chang's book appear on stage, including John Rabe, the German businessman who sheltered civilians; Minnie Vautrin, the American missionary known as the Goddess of Nanjing; Li Xiuying, a survivor whose memories guide the narrative; and Shiro Azuma, a Japanese soldier whose inner conflict adds depth to the tale.
With powerful visuals, live music, and heartfelt storytelling, Deep in Memory transforms history into an emotional experience. For young professionals, students, and travelers looking to bridge cultures, this dance drama is a reminder of art's power to honor memory and spark conversation 🌏✨.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
