Last weekend (November 22-23), Paris audiences were moved by 'Deep in Memory,' a Chinese dance drama directed by Tong Ruirui that brings the Nanjing Massacre back into the spotlight.
Blending modern choreography with haunting visual design, the performance centers on Chinese-American writer Iris Chang, author of The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II. Through abstract movement and theatrical narrative, the show forges connections between Chang and key historical figures – John Rabe, Minnie Vautrin, Li Xiuying and Shiro Azuma – whose testimonies still echo across generations.
At its core, Deep in Memory uses dance as a medium for remembrance, inviting young global citizens and cultural enthusiasts alike to engage with a distant past. The cast's fluid yet precise movements evoke both the fragility of civilian life under siege and the unwavering courage of those who risked everything to protect others.
Audiences praised the production's power to translate archival research into an emotional journey. 'It's a vivid reminder that history lives in our bodies,' said one viewer, reflecting the show's impact on a diverse crowd of students, activists and travelers.
As cities around the world seek new ways to confront historical trauma, Deep in Memory exemplifies how performance art can spark dialogue across borders. After its Paris run, the drama is set to tour major European capitals early next year, promising to carry this vital narrative to a global stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
