• 2018-09-27

To increase public awareness of Su Dongpo’s works and philosophy of living, the National Central Library (NCL) and Trend Education Foundation co-sponsored a special series of three lectures entitled “How Did Su Dongpo Calm the Storm?” The hosts invited Chi Li-feng, Hsieh Chin-yu, Yang Zhao, and Wang An-chi to explore from literary, historical, and theatrical viewpoints how, despite experiencing ups and downs during his official career, Su Dongpo was able to find solace in his creative work.

The first lecture took place on July 7, 2018. Prof. Chi Li-feng and writer Hsieh Chin-yu spoke on the theme “Dongpo’s Life of Optimism (or Pessimism),” discussing how Su Dongpo’s creative and optimistic writings helped him carve out an extraordinary life. 

On July 14, Hyper-convergence Foundation chairman Yang Zhao delivered the second lecture of the series, “Su Dongpo: At the Intersection of Politics and Literature.” The lecture recounted Su Dongpo’s life and literary achievements from a historical perspective

Prof. Wang An-chi of National Taiwan University’s Department of Drama and Theater gave the third and final lecture in the series, which took place on July 21. The lecture was entitled “Unaffected by Wind, Rain or Shine: GuoGuang and Trend’s Joint Production of Su Dongpo’s ‘Calming the Storm.’” “Unaffected by Wind, Rain or Shine” is a famous line from Su Dongpo’s poem “Calming the Storm.” The lecture gave the audience an opportunity to get to know the GuoGuang Opera Company, while recreating Su Dongpo’s life and poetry through traditional opera.