Inspiring Guest Lecture ... When Tang Xianzu Meets Shakespeare!
Inspiring Guest Lecture ... When Tang Xianzu Meets Shakespeare!
On Wednesday, 26 November, we were delighted to host an online guest lecture with Professor Li Jun, Associate Professor of English at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Beijing, and Co-Director of the acclaimed intercultural production Dreaming Under the Bough.
Fascinating event, it was the first time I'd heard of the "Shakespeare of the East" Tang Xianzu, thoroughly enjoyed it!
The lecture offered a fascinating exploration of Tang Xianzu’s life and legacy, examining why he remains one of China’s most celebrated playwrights. Professor Li Jun highlighted the surprising common ground between Tang and Shakespeare, revealing shared themes that transcend cultural boundaries. He also provided behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of Dreaming Under the Bough, a bilingual production that recently featured at the 7th Tang Xianzu International Drama Festival.
Reflecting on the creative process, Professor Li Jun discussed the challenges and rewards of intercultural collaboration and the lessons learned from bringing together two literary giants from different worlds.
This event was a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of global literary traditions and celebrate the power of cultural exchange. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to an inspiring discussion. If you wish to watch the guest lecture, you can do so here, on our YouTube channel.
Who is Tang Xianzu?
Tang Xianzu (1550–1616) was a Ming dynasty playwright celebrated as the “Shakespeare of the East.” His most famous work, The Peony Pavilion, along with his other plays, explored themes of love, dreams, and individuality, challenging strict social norms of his time. Tang’s influence shaped Chinese opera and literature, making him a key figure in world drama for his poetic style and humanistic ideas.
Who is Professor Li Jun?
He is an Associate Professor of English at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Beijing. He earned his PhD in English Literary Studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2013. He directed Julius Caesar (1st prize, 2nd Chinese Universities Shakespeare Festival, CUHK, 2006). He co-directed UIBE-Leeds collaborative productions: A Midsummer Night’s Dreaming Under the Southern Bough (2016 tour: Leeds, Edinburgh Fringe, Shanghai Shakespearean Festival, Beijing) and Dreaming Under the Bough (7th Tang Xianzu International Drama Festival, 2025). In 2022, he was invited to deliver two online workshops themed “Interpreting and Adapting the Balcony Scene from Romeo and Juliet” at the China-UK Higher Education Young Talent Alliance (HEYTA) Conference. His representative publications include the monograph Popular Shakespeare in China: 1993-2008 and the article “Shakespeare Going Out Here and Now: Travels in China on the 450th Anniversary”(The Shakespearean International Yearbook, 2016), etc.