In Theater: World Heritage Site Grand Canal's legacy shines on stage in China

China's Grand Canal, with over 2,500 years of history, has long connected China's northern and southern regions. It is the world's longest and largest ancient canal system and remains an important symbol of traditional Chinese culture.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Grand Canal's inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. To celebrate this milestone, the musical "Northward" takes to the stage, bringing this ancient waterway's history and cultural legacy to life.

The musical, adapted from Chinese author Xu Zechen's award-winning novel "Northward," made its debut on September 7 in a theater by the Grand Canal in Beijing's Tongzhou District.

Blending cultures through storytelling

The musical tells the story of an Italian canal expert, Paolo Di Marco, who visited China in 1901 during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to study the Grand Canal. He was accompanied by a Chinese translator, Xie Pingyao, as he traveled from southern to northern China.

The two characters from different cultural backgrounds initially have some disagreements, Jia Fan, the actor playing Xie Pingyao, told CGTN. However, through their journey northward, their perspective gradually shifts.

"As a Chinese myself, I have a strong voice when portraying a Westerner in terms of how Eastern and Western cultures merge," said Alading Asihali, who plays Paolo Di Marco. The actor told CGTN that he focused on the concept of "zhiji" (a confidant) when creating his character.

In the musical, Xie Pingyao sings to Paolo Di Marco the true meaning of "zhiji": "A confidant is a close friend who truly understands; no need for words, and harmony flows from the heart. Like music that finds its perfect match – two souls connected, their bond never apart."

"The play uses subtle Chinese expressions and historical allusions, like the phrase 'high mountains and flowing water' (a deep and harmonious connection)," said Jia. "It also includes elements of traditional opera. I think these elements are used very effectively to convey the idea of a 'confidant.'"

Bringing intangible cultural heritage on stage

One of the highlights of the musical is the showcase of boatmen's work chants, which have been listed as an intangible national cultural heritage.

"We invited older artists who are inheritors of the intangible cultural heritage of boatmen's work chants," Shi Lu, director of "Northward," told CGTN. "We had them record the chants and presented them on stage in a very authentic and original way."

"If you look at our costumes, they reflect the differences between southern and northern residents, showcasing their distinct characteristics and ways of life," said Jia, adding that integrating the cultural elements into the concentrated art form of the stage is a very effective way to showcase them.

In the play, Xie Pingyao uses an analogy: coffee and tea, representing the Western and Chinese cultures.

"In that era, people didn't know what it would taste like if you mixed the two. Today, we have already integrated them," said the director. "Looking forward, while we draw on the positive aspects of the Western culture, how do we continue to promote and preserve our own traditional culture?"

Preserving cultural heritage through theater

Alading said that the combination of musicals with historical depth can attract the public to the theater to explore the culture.

"Having a Chinese original musical that incorporates so many ethnic cultures and traditions makes me very proud," he said.

Jia also hopes to better introduce the Grand Canal to audiences who may not be familiar with it through the musical.

"It (the Grand Canal) symbolizes the spirit and historical wisdom of our Chinese nation," Jia emphasized.

Although musicals are an imported art form, Alading believes that they need to be localized once they arrive in China.

"This requires continuous innovation of our culture to chisel out this 'iceberg' and shape it into something uniquely Chinese," said the actor.

"Popularization, awareness and preservation are the roles I believe theater should play," said Shi, calling on Chinese artists to make more meaningful productions to restore and revive what has been lost or forgotten and then present it on stage.

"This allows more audiences, especially younger ones, to reconnect with our traditional culture," said the director.

Videographer: Zhang Hengrui

Video editor: Guo Meiping

Cover image: Liu Shaozhen