Chongqing - This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and the China-France Year of Cultural Tourism. As part of these celebrations, Mozart l'Opéra Rock was staged in Chongqing from October 17-20, bringing the acclaimed musical to Chongqing audiences. One of the highlights of the performance was Laurent Ban's portrayal of Salieri, a role that reflects his deep commitment to his craft and connection with his audience.
Laurent Ban, an actor and singer, is currently playing the role of Salieri in Mozart l'opéra Rock. Every role requires significant preparation for him, and portraying Salieri was no exception. Ban's interpretation of Salieri highlights the character's complexity. While Salieri appears outwardly charming and aristocratic, he harbors deep insecurities, particularly after meeting the genius of Mozart. This internal conflict between Salieri's outward respectability and his inner doubts is a key element of Ban's portrayal. He worked to balance Salieri's "shine" and "darkness," emphasizing his strength and vulnerabilities.
To further develop Salieri's character, Ban incorporated subtle details, such as having him constantly adjust his clothing, a reflection of his obsession with detail. Additionally, Ban adopted Salieri’s low voice, which created a powerful impact on the audience during his first lines in the play, creating a memorable moment that set the tone for the character.
Performing in China has been a rewarding experience for Laurent Ban, as he finds the Chinese audience particularly attentive to detail. Unlike some audiences who may simply enjoy the show, Chinese theatergoers actively engage with the performance, seeking out deeper meanings in every moment. Ban appreciates their focus, noting that they likely pick up on 50-60% of the small details he incorporates into his portrayal of Salieri. This connection with the audience is something he values deeply, both during the show and afterward.
He sees the current century as one shaped by social media, a major change in how people communicate compared to 20 years ago. While acknowledging the power of social media to connect people, he also warns of its potential to become a "big machine" that can be destructive if not handled carefully. For Ban, social media is a tool to maintain contact, but the face-to-face moments matter most. He recalls how audiences, some of whom travel long distances and spend considerable time and money to attend his shows, deserve respect. Ban makes an effort to connect with his fans personally, whether through meeting them after performances or signing autographs.
Laurent Ban's affection for Chinese culture and its forward-looking energy is clear. In China, he senses a vibrant energy that says, "Everything is possible," which he finds inspiring, especially for younger generations. This spirit of possibility aligns with his own passion for creation and performance.
In addition to his connection with Chinese audiences, Ban also admires China's rich cultural history. He sees a deep connection between France and China, as both countries have long and storied histories. Ban believes that music and theater provide a way to bridge cultural differences, allowing people to share emotions and experiences even when they don’t speak the same language. For him, music is a universal form of communication, and the emotions it conveys transcend words, which can bridge cultures and bring people together, even in the age of social media.
Ban's time in Chongqing has left a lasting impression. Although he hasn’t had much time to explore the city, he describes it as vast and impressive, with grand architecture, stunning lights at night, and a massive river that runs through it. The size of Chongqing, with its population close to half of France's total population, amazes him. Every time he visits, he feels a sense of well-being and looks forward to getting to know the city even better.