Dream of the Red Chamber is a masterpiece of Chinese literature, celebrated for its profound exploration of human nature, society, and fate. Through the lens of the rise and fall of the Jia family, Cao Xueqin’s work captures the essence of the grandeur and decline of time. The 1987 TV adaptation of the novel, directed by Wang Fulin, stands as a landmark in Chinese television history. Faithfully rendering the original text with exquisite artistry, it remains cherished across generations and has played a pivotal role in introducing this literary classic to international audiences.
The Renwen Society of China Institute invites you to a special lecture on December 21. This event features two distinguished guests: Shen Lin, who played Ping’er, and Wu Xiaodong, who portrayed Jia Yun in the 1987 adaptation. Together, this husband-and-wife duo will offer unique insights into their roles and personal experiences during the filming, sharing reflections on their interpretations of the novel’s profound themes. Whether you are a devoted fan of Dream of the Red Chamber or an enthusiast of classic Chinese television, this lecture promises to be an extraordinary experience.
Shen Lin and Wu Xiaodong will explore how they infused life into their characters, uncovering the soul of the roles through literary analysis and performance. They will also reflect on how these experiences shaped their artistic journeys. Beyond the screen, they will discuss the enduring cultural significance of Dream of the Red Chamber, offering a fresh perspective on its characters, philosophical depth, and relevance in today’s world.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the art of storytelling and the timeless legacy of Dream of the Red Chamber!
《红楼梦》，作为中国古代文学的巅峰之作，以其对人性、社会、命运的深刻洞察，成为中华文化宝库中的璀璨明珠。曹雪芹笔下的贾府繁华与没落，是对封建社会盛极而衰的生动写照。1987年版电视剧《红楼梦》堪称中国影视史上的经典之作，由导演王扶林执导，汇集众多才华横溢的演员，以高度忠实于原著的叙事方式和精致的艺术表现，赢得观众的广泛赞誉。这部电视剧不仅在国内深受欢迎，还为《红楼梦》的国际传播做出了重要贡献，成为几代观众心中的记忆。
华美人文学会将于美东时间12月22日晚8时至9时半（北京时间12月23日上午9时至10时半）举办特别讲座，特邀87版电视剧《红楼梦》中平儿的扮演者沈琳女士和贾芸的扮演者吴晓东先生。这对伉俪将以亲身经历为切入点，与观众分享他们扮演红楼角色的心路历程，以及他们对《红楼梦》这一伟大文学作品的独到见解。无论是红迷还是影视爱好者，这都将是一次不可多得的视听盛宴。
讲座中，沈琳女士和吴晓东先生将以角色为桥梁，回顾他们在87版《红楼梦》拍摄期间的点滴经历。他们将谈到如何从文学文本中寻找角色灵魂，如何通过表演赋予角色生命，以及这些角色如何影响了他们的人生与艺术创作。此外，他们还将结合个人视角，对《红楼梦》的思想内涵、人物塑造及其现代意义作出深刻解读。这不仅是对经典的致敬，也是一次文化的回溯与再发现。
期待这一讲座为观众带来更多关于红楼梦与87版电视剧的珍贵记忆与深刻思考！
China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Born in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, Shen Lin is a renowned Chinese actress and opera performer. She graduated from the Nanjing University of the Arts and began her career as a leading actress in the Jiangsu Yang Opera Troupe, where she starred in productions such as The Legend of the White Snake. Her portrayal of Ping’er in the 1987 adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber brought her nationwide acclaim. In the 1990s, Shen Lin appeared in several notable productions, including The Magnificent Magnolia, Han Palace Feiyan, and The Eastern Zhou Kingdoms. After stepping away from acting in 2000 to focus on her family, she began studying classical European oil painting in 2017. Her Dream of the Red Chamber-themed paintings have been exhibited at the Redology Society’s annual meeting and the “Cao Xueqin Family and Dream of the Red Chamber Culture Exhibition” in 2023.
沈琳，1965年出生于江苏扬州，毕业于南京艺术学院，是中国著名影视女演员及扬剧演员。早年，她为江苏省扬剧团的花旦，曾主演扬剧《白蛇传》中的白蛇一角。1987年，因在电视剧《红楼梦》中饰演平儿一角，沈琳获得了广泛关注。1990年代初参与过多部重要影视剧，包括《皎皎白玉兰》《汉宫飞燕》《孙武》和《东周列国·战国篇》等陆续播出 。2000年起，随着女儿的降生沈琳淡出演艺界，专注家庭与艺术创作。2017年，沈琳开始学习欧洲古典油画。2021年，其所绘制的红楼系列油画在“红楼梦学会”的学术年会上展出。2023年，其作品在“曹雪芹家族与《红楼梦》文化展”中展出，展现了沈琳多元的艺术才华。
Wu Xiaodong, born in Chengde, Hebei Province, is a prominent Chinese actor and director. A graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, he started his career in 1978 as a stage actor before transitioning to television and film. In 1987, he played Jia Yun in Dream of the Red Chamber, while also serving as a production assistant. Over the years, he has performed in numerous acclaimed productions, including Romance of the Three Kingdoms, in which he portrayed Sun Quan. Wu Xiaodong is also a skilled director, with credits spanning historical dramas and contemporary stories. His continued contributions to Chinese theater and television have cemented his reputation as a versatile and accomplished artist.
吴晓东，1961年出生于河北承德，毕业于中央戏剧学院导演系，是中国著名导演、国家一级演员。他的演艺生涯始于1978年，1980年，主演电视剧《结婚现场会》。1987年在电视剧《红楼梦》中饰演贾芸，而在此前的拍摄过程中他也担任了场记的职务。其后，吴晓东在多部经典影视剧中担任重要角色。 1990年，主演《三国演义》中的东吴大帝孙权，并担任该剧执行导演。1997年，主演古装历史剧《孙武》。2004年，执导室内生活剧《幸福生活》。2007年，主演话剧《失明的城市》和《奇异的插曲》。2009年，主演金庸武侠剧《倚天屠龙记》，饰演光明左使杨逍。2010年，主演谍战剧《黎明之前》，饰演医务处长马蔚然。2011年，出演历史剧《中国1945之重庆风云》。2012年，主演话剧《理查三世》中国版。2015年，与导演刘江合作执导谍战剧《黎明决战》。2016年，执导生活剧《主妇也要拼》。2017年，参加电视剧《红楼梦》开播30周年再聚首纪念音乐会。2020年，主演的民国动作版电影《燕子盗》在沈阳关东影城开机。2021年5月25日，参演的重大历史题材剧《光荣与梦想》在北京卫视和东方卫视播出 。10月22日，电视剧《前行者》播出。2022年，参演的电视剧《幸福到万家》播出。2023年5月3日，参演电视剧《温暖的甜蜜的》播出。当年11月，参演电视剧《神探教授》播出。 作为影视界的多面手，吴晓东始终以专业与热忱赋予角色深刻内涵。
