Poster of dance drama Tian Gong Kai Wu Photo: Screenshot from website

 
The first tour performance of dance drama Tian Gong Kai Wu was held in Xiamen, Southeast China's Fujian Province on Saturday, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Tian Gong Kai Wu is based on the legendary life of Ming Dynasty scientist Song Yingxing, and the book of the same name that he wrote. The show will be performed in Nanjing, Wuhan, and Hangzhou in the coming months.

The creative team behind the drama has combined unique perspectives and profound professional skills to create a work that showcases traditional Chinese culture and the spirit of the hard-working people. The show has garnered significant attention from both domestic and international audiences, reigniting interest in this nearly 400-year-old story.

Chief director Gao Yan recalled the creative process, saying, "When we visited Song Yingxing's grave, standing on the ridge overlooking a field of rice, I was deeply moved by the simplicity and resilience of the people. This scene inspired me to portray their vitality in the dance drama."

Another director Meng Ke said the dance movements were inspired by the daily activities and vivid illustrations recorded in the book, such as farmers planting rice, scholars writing, and potters making ceramics. These elements vividly depict the essence and emotions of the people.

Meng said that the inheritance of traditional culture should not be forced but should be expressed and articulated in an artistic form.

Both directors emphasized the importance of cultural confidence. Against the backdrop of economic and technological development, cultural confidence and the spirit of innovation are distinctive traits of the Chinese nation. Tian Gong Kai Wu not only highlights moments of brilliance but also prompts the audience to reflect on the value of craftsmanship in modern society.

The dance drama is not only a tribute to traditional culture but also a celebration of the ordinary working people. It conveys their wisdom and strength, resonating with the audience's sense of cultural confidence.

Song Yingxing failed six imperial examinations, but was nevertheless fascinated by the wisdom and creativity of the Chinese people. The dance drama presents the eighteen chapters of Tian Gong Kai Wu, examining and documenting the scientific and technological crafts of the Ming Dynasty, as well as recording the practical skills in Chinese agriculture, handicrafts, and manufacturing.