Poetry and music combine at Pudong's 1862 Theater

The 1862 Theater, a renovated shipyard now renowned for its fashion and art in the Pudong New Area, is to stage two performances of "The Convention of the World • Spring Poetry and Music Theater" on March 22, blending poetry and music.

Behind the shows is a story of sadness and reunion.

In the spring of 2019, three performances of the "Spring Poetry and Music Theater" series were staged at the 1862, with poets from seven countries and nearly 2,000 audience members. However, Shuntaro Tanikawa, a famous Japanese poet who was to have taken part, fell ill shortly before the show and could only briefly meet the audience online.

Although the organizers offered refunds, most of those with tickets still turned up. The theater made a promise that once the poet recovered, there would be another show – inviting all original ticket holders to attend for free.

Last May, the return of the production was announced for the 1862's 2024/2025 season. However, life is unpredictable, and Tanikawa died in the winter of 2024.

Nevertheless, the theater was determined to fulfill the promise. The performances will be staged as scheduled, featuring a heavyweight lineup spanning the literary and musical worlds.

Japanese poetry master Mutsuo Takahashi will take the stage with poems such as "Blood of Travel," while Chinese poet Zhao Lihong will perform works including "Mother's Bookshelf."

Cross-genre poet Zhai Yongming will continue the aesthetic breakthrough of female consciousness with pieces such as "Three Witches."

Kensaku Tanikawa, the contemporary Japanese composer and pianist, and eldest son of the late poet, will illuminate his father's poetry in music, recreating a father-son dialogue with his playing.

The evening performance will feature Chinese singer-songwriter and music producer Chen Li.

If you go

Date: 2:30pm, 7:30pm, March 22

Venue: 1862 Theater

Address: 1777 Binjiang Ave, the Pudong New Area 上海市浦东新区滨江大道1777号

Tickets: From 180 yuan (US$25) to 480 yuan