Olav H. Hauge was known as the “Chinese” from Ulvik, but he did never go to China himself. Hauge`s first poems were all in a traditional form, and inspired by the simplicity of Chinese poetry, which is reflected in several of his poems. This translation has thus become a return home for Hauge, 100 years after his birth and 14 years after his death.
The poet lived a quiet life as a fruit farmer in western Norway. His poems revolve around nature and everyday life, and they have been translated into many languages and still have a large influence today.
Deeply moved audience
In the setting of a rebuilt temple in one of Beijing’s traditional hutongs, Hauge's soul revisited China. The Chinese poet society was strongly present at the book launch on Saturday evening, when one after the other proclaimed their newfound love for Hauge's poems. “Even if I live in Beijing, I traveled to Norway through his poems. It was the simplicity that caught my eyes”, a female poet said.
The translator Xi Chuan, considered to be one of China’s most recognized poets, said that during those two years he worked on the translation, he had become very found of Hauge's poems and the soul that they capture. It seemed like these poems touch something in the Chinese society, which not many Norwegian poets have managed to accomplish before.
"Hello Hauge" performing at the book launch. Photo: Gøril Frømyr Borgen
“Hurray Hauge”
In connection with the book launch, the Norwegian actor Juni Dahr and the musicians Tore Brunborg and Thomas Strønen did a musical performance called “Hello Hauge”. This performance is based on Hauge`s poems and was first played at Hauge's 100-year anniversary of his birth last year.
With their powerful performance, combining Hauges poetry with modern music, they created a sound that hit home with the audience. The following day they played at Peking University concert hall for 300 students, and they felt afterward that they had been well received by their Chinese listeners. Their success continued in Shanghai where they performed at Fudan University, where the audience wouldn`t leave their seats after the concert.
The translation of Olav H. Hague’s book “I’m standing, I can stand it”, has been published by Writers Publishing House, and will be available on the shelf in March to meet the interest from the Chinese audience.