New stage production explores culinary traditions of south China

Adapted from Ge Liang's eponymous novel, a new production of "Yan Shi Ji" is set to grace the stage of the National Theatre of China (NTC) from May 21 to 25, inviting audiences to savor a nostalgic blend of history, culture, and Cantonese culinary artistry.

By framing the narrative around a "culinary competition," the play immerses theatregoers in the time-honored kitchens of old Guangdong and Hong Kong in southern China. Director Zhang Xiao uses modern theatrical technology like multimedia projection and live-feed cameras to capture the textures of the ingredients and the precise gestures of chefs to render some of the play's most iconic scenes, including the one depicting the master chef's tasting ritual.

Retaining the novel's core structure of "chronicling history through food," the play meticulously highlights pivotal scenes, such as the "identifying taste," "lotus paste refinement," and "culinary innovations."  

These scenes underscore the tension between tradition and modernity – a theme resonating deeply with the original work. "This adaptation is more than a tribute to Cantonese cuisine," explained theater head Tian Qinxin. "It's a contemplation of how the artisanal spirit and human connections can endure amid societal change."

Since its publication, "Yan Shi Ji" has earned widespread acclaim, being named as one of the Top 10 books of 2022 by numerous literary platforms and hailed as an outstanding piece of literature from south China’s Greater Bay Area.

Ge Liang, a Chinese language major who studied at the University of Hong Kong, spent more than five years writing the book. It explores the chef's unshakable dedication to preserving the flavors and warmth of traditional cooking in the face of modernization.