The Nezha Musical was performed at the Shaw Theatre in London, superbly retelling the story of Nezha for an international audience.
Three performances of Nezha were given at the Shaw Theatre in Central London on the 8th and 9th of January. These were the first, but hopefully not the last, performances of the Nezha musical.
This is very much a cross-cultural artistic collaboration, with the creative team featuring individuals from the UK, US, and China. It was produced by Emma Wang, directed by Jennifer Tang, composed by Duncan Walsh Atkins, and the costumes were designed by Emily Rebholz.
This is reflected in the musical. The play is based on the well-known, in China, mythology of Nezha. Classic plots are such as “Reincarnation of Spirit Pearls” and “Lotus Rebirth”, are incorporated into the musical. However, they are combined with contemporary language and music, including rock and hip-hop. While retaining the spiritual core of Chinese Mythology, it is packaged in a far more accessible way for an international audience who won’t have grown up on the nuances of Chinese mythology or the stories of beings like Nezha.
Care has been taken in musical, while ensuring it is presented for an international audience, that the ‘Chinese-ness’ at its heart is not lost. Speaking after a performance, costume designer Emily Rebholz and composer Duncan Walsh Atkins explained how they had colleagues in China who would review ideas and concepts, ensuring that both music and costumes were respectful of Chinese culture.
Both are experienced. Duncan Walsh Atkins was musical director of the Olivier Award-winning ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’, and has composed extensively for theatre, radio and TV. Meanwhile, Emily Rebholz‘s Broadway credits include the Tony Award winning production of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’.
This Chinese heart can be seen beyond just the story. Live Pipa and Guqin music is played during the musical by musician Cheng Yu. Producer Emma Wang on a trip to Guizhou recorded a traditional performance by children from the Dong ethnic minority group. These traditional Chinese elements are intertwined with the modern musical.
Performances throughout should also be praised alongside the music. The central performances are Nezha. Through the musical Nezha grows from a remarkably big and strong baby, to a remarkably big and strong 7-year-old, to a remarkable though not so big and strong adult. The youngest Nezha is played by an adorable 5-year-old BeiBei Lau, followed by JJ Lam as young Nezha and finally Zaya Tserenbat in her first professional performance as adult Nezha.
Speaking after the performance, audience members were impressed by what they saw.
One audience member from China said, “The musical is very surprising, and it also reflects the story of Nezha that we knew when we were children. I hope that this musical can become a permanent performance, and I will bring more British friends to see it.”
Producer Emma Wang said that the musical Nezha will be polished more carefully and hopefully brought to the stage elsewhere soon. If it is, then it would definitely be worth finding a ticket for.
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