David Ban Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Gregory Deck
Voice
By Jin Yingying
Hangzhou witnessed a dazzling cultural convergence as the French musical rendition of William Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet, graced its stage last week. This marked the first overseas musical production to be introduced to Hangzhou Grand Theater after the pandemic.
The musical swiftly gained momentum, with certain cast members attaining viral status on the Chinese social media.
Gregory Deck, who portrayed Tybalt in the musical, recently shared a mesmerizing video shot in Hangzhou. The footage captured Deck spontaneously dancing with the locals, transcending cultural boundaries and captivating audiences.
Deck's video not only resonated on Twitter but also garnered profound attention on China's prominent social platform Red Book. Reflecting on his experience, Deck recounted, "Exploring a vibrant night market led us to a lively group of dancers radiating sheer joy. Eager to join in, their warm reception was truly heartening."
Deck's fervor for the local culture was evident as he expressed, "China has been an enriching journey, and I would gladly dance with these remarkable people every day."
Deck also commended the grandeur of Hangzhou Grand Theater, a stunning backdrop to their performance. "The theater, adorned with a majestic golden gate, stands as a testament to magnificence. A leisurely two-hour riverside stroll with my colleague, brought us to this remarkable venue. Our exploration extended to a charming neighborhood, infusing simple pleasures with immense joy."
David Ban, another central figure in the musical, takes on the role of the Prince of Verona, responsible for upholding harmony between the Montague and Capulet families.
Talking about the thoughts on his inaugural visit to Hangzhou and China, Ban expressed genuine happiness, coupled with heartfelt gratitudes towards the Chinese audience.
As he envisions the future, Ban anticipates Romeo's return and aspires to present concerts in this enchanting setting, sharing his original compositions. Ban's exploration of Hangzhou, particularly its vibrant streets and alluring shops, showcases his deep appreciation for the city's aesthetic charm, especially the ethereal illumination of the theater square at night.
Ban's engagement with the Chinese social media platforms, including Red Book, Douyin, and Weibo, has fostered a genuine connection with his audience. His amiable character, combined with humor, has facilitated engaging interactions and resonated with viewers.