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The Cultural Frontline: Chen Qiufan: China’s master of science fiction

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Chen Quifan: China’s Master of Science Fiction

04/04/2020 GMT

Chen Qiufan: China’s master of science fiction

BBC World Service - The Cultural Frontline, Chen Qiufan: China’s master of science fiction

Chinese sci-fi writer Chen Qiufan on life imitating art

A man comes out of isolation and walks in a trance through the centre of Shanghai, marvelling at an empty shopping mall and the changes he sees around him.   It sounds like a news report but it’s actually the plot of an eerie sci-fi short story written by Chinese author Chen Qiufan (also known as Stanley Chan) last year.  He speaks to Tina about his new work and life imitating art in science fiction.
 
How is COVID-19 influencing artists?   The Singaporean art collective PHUNK, tells us about updating their SARS-inspired artwork ‘Control Chaos’ to reflect the current global crisis.  
 
‘Stay apart – and keep connecting’ – that’s the philosophy behind a new daily online comedy broadcast made by the British comedians Robin Ince and Josie Long. Robin and Josie talk to Tina about creating a space to support artists and entertain audiences in the age of lockdown.  
 
Plus from home concerts with John Legend to the campaigning anthems of Bobi Wine we explore how the music world is responding to the coronavirus.
 
Presented by Tina Daheley

Image: Chen Quifan
Image credit: Lin Yi'an

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