Tiananmen: A New Musical Sheds Light on 1989 Protests and China’s Censorship
A new musical called Tiananmen is capturing attention as it delves into the events of the 1989 protests in China. The play, which opened on Wednesday at the Phoenix Theatre Company in Arizona, tells a love story between two students amidst the backdrop of the Tiananmen Square demonstrations. The world premiere of the musical is set for Friday night.
The Tiananmen Square protests, often referred to as the Tiananmen massacre, began in mid-April 1989 and saw student-led pro-democracy demonstrations. Chinese officials have avoided acknowledging the violence that occurred during the protests and have tried to erase it from history. Although there has never been an official death toll given, estimates range from several hundred to over 10,000 people. Thousands more were injured by troops who charged into the square.
Wu’er Kaixi, one of the leaders of the 1989 protests who now resides in Taiwan as a pro-democracy activist, served as a creative consultant on the musical. The production of Tiananmen took three years due to concerns about the potential consequences involved in telling this story. Many who auditioned were hesitant to accept roles that could jeopardize the safety or interests of their families or businesses in China.
Despite the risks and fears surrounding the subject matter, the show’s producers and cast pursued the production with determination. Director Darren Lee, who consulted his family before accepting the job, expressed his lack of fear due to not having direct relatives in China who could be affected. Other individuals involved in the musical decided not to participate due to concerns about their families’ or businesses’ ties to China.
Tiananmen is part of a growing subset of musicals that address serious societal issues. Shows like Cabaret, which explores homophobia and antisemitism during the rise of Nazi Germany, and Dear Evan Hansen, which tackles subjects like suicide and bullying, have paved the way for theater that delves into important and thought-provoking subjects.
The decision to tackle the Tiananmen protests in a musical format was a brave one, given the potential pressure and censorship from Beijing. Producer Jason Rose believes that it is essential for art to be provocative and to celebrate bravery, even in the face of external influences. Rose emphasizes the importance of ensuring that no country can dictate what is presented on the American stage.
Wu’er Kaixi hopes that the musical will not only convey the courage of the students during the protests but also shed light on the similarities between the actions of China’s current leaders and those who decided to use violence against the demonstrators in 1989. He sees the Tiananmen Square movement as unfinished business and hopes that by remembering and honoring the history, the younger generation can achieve the results the protesters fought for.
The musical has garnered support and attention from individuals who believe in the importance of preserving history and resisting censorship. Attendees of a preview show expressed their admiration for the brave individuals behind the production and their refusal to allow the erasure of history beyond China’s borders.
Tiananmen serves as a reminder of the significance of courage, resilience, and the universal desire for freedom. By presenting this story in a musical format, the creators hope to engage audiences and evoke memories of the hope and dashed dreams experienced during the Tiananmen Square protests. This production brings the events of 1989 back into the collective memory and serves as a platform to discuss the impact of censorship and political power.
As Tiananmen: A New Musical makes its world premiere, it is poised to leave a lasting impact on its audiences. Through the medium of art, the musical sheds light on the events of 1989 and China’s ongoing struggle with censorship. It serves as a reminder that history should not be forgotten or erased and that the fight for democracy and freedom continues.
