Success stories in Chinese theater bridge tradition with innovation

"World Theatre Day," established by the International Theatre Institute, is a commemorative day aimed at raising global awareness of the art of theater. It falls on March 27 each year.

Theater is an indigenous art form in China and serves as an important carrier of Chinese culture, embodying traditional Chinese culture and aesthetics. In recent years, a combination of tradition and innovation has led to the increased popularity of traditional cultural elements, with numerous theatrical productions striving to capture the interest of younger audiences.

Inspired by a Chinese classic novel, the folk-dance drama "A Dream of Red Mansions" became one of the top-selling productions of 2023, particularly because of a scene where the character Jia Baoyu looks back at the Twelve Beauties, which went viral online.

Behind the success of "A Dream of Red Mansions" lies a young team. Jiangsu Theater employed young directors, Li Xing and Li Chao, who took a unique approach by focusing on the Twelve Beauties, the female roles in the story, and creatively linking their lives with the life cycle of flowers. In two scenes, the directors creatively integrated modern dance to express the pain and struggle of the female soul, delivering a shocking visual impact to the audience.

Traditional Chinese opera has also experienced a revival in recent years, often showcasing spectacular performances and demonstrating strong artistic prowess. An immersive Yue Opera titled "New Dragon Gate Inn," performed by Xiao Bai Hua, one of the most prominent Yueju Opera troupes from east China's Zhejiang Province, is a notable example.

The Yueju Opera "New Dragon Gate Inn" draws inspiration from the classic martial arts film of the same name. The popularity of its online live broadcast has allowed this Yueju Opera to transcend the boundaries of traditional performances. Chen Lijun and Li Yunxiao, the two "post-90s born" actors who play the leading roles, have become the focal point of discussions, and their outstanding performances have garnered the affection of numerous fans.

These works, which have achieved both market success and critical acclaim, will inject vitality and vigor into traditional Chinese theater.