2017.0531
Honorary Doctoral Degree Referral Ceremony of Gao Xingjian
On May 22nd, the Honorary Doctoral Degree Referral Ceremony of Nobel Laurate Gao Xingjian was held at NTNU for his great accomplishment on literature, writing, art and theatre. His works show compassion for human beings. Gao said that he has left China for 30 years and he consider Paris home where he does all his work. But, he has a hometown, Taiwan.
President Chang Kuo En awarded the doctoral degree to Prof. Gao, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Chen Den Wu recited the Accomplishments of Prof. Gao. Wang Jin Pyng, honorable chairman of the Alumni Association and Honorable Prof. of NTU Hu Yao Heng who is a good friend of Dr. Gao all came to the ceremony. After the ceremony, a forum“In pursuit of a free soul” about the works of Gao Xingjian was held and many scholars are from Hong Kong and Korea.
Gao Xingjian is a Chinese émigré novelist, playwright, and critic who in 2000 was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature “for an oeuvre of universal validity, bitter insights and linguistic ingenuity.” He is also a noted translator, screenwriter, stage director, and a celebrated painter.
Gao said that Paris is a place that anyone can create freely. His wife is in Paris and he regard himself as a world citizen. “But, Taiwan is my second hometown. The exhibition, shows and scripts are welcomed by Taiwanese.” Gao said that Taiwanese have level of aesthetic appreciation and he believes that some great thinkers, great artists or literary figure will arise. He said that it’s a pleasure to work with teachers and students of NTNU. From his point of view and experience in watching plays all around the world, he said that the work of NTNU has reached an International level.
Gao sees himself as a world citizen. His works have been played wherever people lives. His literary works have been translated into more than 40 languages and those creation aren’t limited by boundaries, nations, cultures or languages. He praised the democracy and culture of Taiwan and hoped that Taiwan can be the force of modern renaissance.