Of Mountains and Seas: A Tragicomedy of the Gods in Three Acts

by Gao Xingjian, Gilbert C.F. Fong (Translator)

Of Mountains and Seas is a fictional play that weaves together legendary characters from the classic Chinese text, Shanhaijing . The well-known mythical characters are presented as ordinary individuals who, despite their divine powers, struggle with the misadventures and emotional consequences of life. The gods appear innocent and childish, comically mixing up traditional social roles and behavior. Gao Xingjian infuses his play with his trademark unconventionality and esthetic flair, indulging in a considerable amount of inventive and open staging that allows directors to add their own creative stamp. The spectacular, eccentric characters make this play a colorful dramatic experience.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2008

About the author

Gao Xingjian is a Chinese-born novelist, playwright, critic, and painter. An émigré to France since 1987, Gao was granted French citizenship in 1997. The recipient of the 2000 Nobel Prize in Literature, he is also a noted translator (particularly of Samuel Beckett and Eugène Ionesco), screenwriter, stage director, and a celebrated painter.

Reviews

[Clarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would adore attending a representation of this play, as the depiction was so colorful and vivid.
It was my first time reading a Chinese play, although I was already familiar with the visual and phonetic codes of the genre, which helped. And this being the first time, it made me want to explore more of it.
I would love to read the Classic as to have a better grasp of the original text, but this, as an introduction, will do.
The legends were fascinating, and for whoever knows modern China, acting as the roots of current celebration, idioms and philosophies.
As for the writing, it wasn't the most impactful work from Gao Xingjian, and not something to recommend for newbies (except if they love theatre, and in which case it would be a fantastic gift), but rather for people who have a stronger footing into the Chinese civilization.