As dragon boat race events heat up across Guangdong, the large-scale original contemporary dance drama "Dragon Boat" was performed at the Guangdong Friendship Theater on June 15th and 16th, showcasing the charm of Guangdong's traditional dragon boat culture. This production offered the audience a visual and auditory feast of strength and beauty.
"Dragon Boat," which took three years to plan and prepare, is rooted in the millennia-old dragon boat culture. It is the first reality-based drama in China to interpret this cultural heritage. The drama is based on the historical foundation of Lingnan dragon boat culture and is set against the backdrop of cultural integration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It tells the story of a female coach, Li Jianjian, who is tasked with assembling a dragon boat team for an upcoming international competition. She gathers talented young people from the Greater Bay Area and across the country to represent China, and they overcome numerous challenges to bring honor to the country. The story highlights the contemporary spirit of Chinese youth working together in unity.
In 2022, "Dragon Boat" began its tour in Shunde, Guangdong, before embarking on a nationwide tour performance. It was also performed three times at the National Centre for the Performing Arts from September 1st to 3rd, 2023, to great acclaim. This return to the Guangzhou stage, featuring the passionate "Shunde Dragon Boat" scene, has drawn many spectators eager to experience dragon boat culture.
Chief Director Qian Xin told reporters that the dragon boat is an indispensable cultural element in the Lingnan region, and Guangdong dragon boat athletes have excelled in world-class competitions. "Reflecting dragon boat culture and the emotions and lives of dragon boat athletes was our original intention in creating this drama," he said.
To accurately capture the essence of Chinese dragon boat culture, the creative team conducted dozens of field trips over three years to places like Shunde. They visited local dragon boat museums, associations, and training bases, and interviewed inheritors of dragon boat rap traditions. The actors, initially unfamiliar with paddling, learned to row in unison, embodying the spirit of dragon boating. This spirit was vividly brought to life on stage through dance.
"We have awakened lion dances and dragon boats in Guangdong. Every time we create a work, it deepens our understanding of Lingnan culture. This is very meaningful for us young people," said Lead Actor Pang Guanyu.
At the performance venue, the reporter observed a small exhibition set up at the theater entrance, which features a lively and engaging painted scroll titled "Dragon Boat." This attracted many audiences to take a closer look. The scroll's creator, Luo Jikun, Vice Chairman of the Guangzhou Animation Artists Association, explained that the artwork took over a year to complete. It tells the story of the origins, customs, and evolution of Lingnan dragon boat culture to the audience. During its creation, Luo Jikun gathered a substantial amount of materials on South Guangdong dragon boats, striving to faithfully depict the history, culture, and traditions associated with them.
"I enjoy watching dragon boat races in Hunan and Guangzhou. This time, I had the chance to see the dance drama and explore the differences between dragon boat culture on stage and in real life. The intense scenes of the races and the impressive stage design were thrilling," said Mr. Sun, a spectator from Hunan.
Source | Yangcheng Evening News
