TwoGenerations of Li Bai” Span Time to Celebrate 100 Years of ChineseAnimation

Two Li Bais Across Time: A Journey Through a Century of Chinese Animation

The latest episode of the New China in Art documentary series,airing on October 5th, 2024, brings together two Li Bais from different eras – renowned actor Pu Cunxin, known for hisportrayal of the Tang Dynasty poet in Beijing People’s Art Theatre productions, and Ling Zhenhe, the voice actor behind Li Bai in the 2023 animated film Chang’an Three Thousand Miles.

This unique cross-temporal dialogue explores how the legendary poet Li Bai, a figure deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, has resonated with audiences across generations. The episode delves into thecreative process behind bringing Li Bai to life on stage and screen, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of capturing his essence in different artistic mediums.

Pu Cunxin, a veteran actor and president of the China Dramatists Association, shares his insights onportraying Li Bai for over three decades, emphasizing the character’s enduring appeal and the challenges of connecting with modern audiences. He also expresses his admiration for the meticulous craftsmanship behind Chang’an Three Thousand Miles, particularly the painstaking effort that went into the film’s iconic Jiang Jin Jiu sequence, which took an average of96 hours to create each second of animation.

Yu Zhou, the producer of Chang’an Three Thousand Miles and CEO of the animation studio Chaselight Pictures, uses the parallel journeys of Li Bai and Gao Shi, another prominent Tang Dynasty poet, to draw parallels with the evolution of Chinese animation. He highlightsthe dedication and innovation that go into crafting a truly exceptional animated film, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and artistic integrity.

Ling Zhenhe, the voice actor behind Li Bai in Chang’an Three Thousand Miles, takes viewers behind the scenes, revealing his approach to overcoming the potential auditory fatigue associated with theclassic poem Jiang Jin Jiu and bringing the poem’s powerful imagery to life through his voice. His heartfelt performance showcases the vital role of voice acting in creating compelling and memorable characters in animation.

The episode utilizes innovative television techniques to blur the lines between audience and performer, creating a dynamic and immersive viewing experience.Through a single, 260-second long shot, the documentary breaks down the fourth wall separating stage and screen, allowing viewers to feel directly connected to the performers and the stories they tell.

Two Li Bais Across Time is not just a celebration of Chinese animation but also a testament tothe enduring power of art to transcend time and connect with audiences across generations. By exploring the creative process behind bringing Li Bai to life in different forms, the episode offers a unique perspective on the evolution of Chinese culture and the enduring legacy of its literary giants.

References: