Title: Behind the Curtain of Guangxi Drama: An Expert’s Insight on Local Theater’s Flourishing Scene

By Yang Chen, China News Service

In October, the Guangxi Drama Theatre in Nanning showcased an impressive variety of performances, including colorful operas like “New Liu Sanjie,” Gui drama pieces like “Seven Steps Chant” and “Deng Yingchao,” as well as Zhuang operas like “Bai Se Uprising” and “Qian Yun Cliff.” With seven outstanding shows over five days, theater enthusiasts were treated to a remarkable display of talent. The quality of the performances and skill of the actors drew admiration from prominent figures in the national theater community.

Liu Yanjun, president of the Chinese Association for Ethnic Minority Dramas, commented, “Having observed several performances lately, I’m impressed by the wide range of themes, including modern narratives emphasizing social values, historical red-themed stories, well-loved traditional folk tales, and experimental pieces, all of which are richly represented.”

Behind this surge of “great plays” lies the dedication of generations of Guangxi theater artists, along with a decade of efforts from the Guangxi Drama Theatre to overcome challenges. On October 24, a seminar titled “Voicing for the People, Singing for the Times,” was held in Nanning, where theater experts and scholars discussed the development of local drama.

Exploring Unique Features: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Guangxi’s stunning landscapes and rich ethnic cultural heritage have become the foundation for diverse theatrical arts, featuring Zhuang opera, Gui drama, colorful opera, and Peking opera.

As early as the 1950s, Guangxi’s colorful opera “Liu Sanjie” gained immense popularity, with over 2,900 performances across the country and internationally. Among 139 professional theater troupes in China, 58 have adapted “Liu Sanjie.” Additionally, over ten theater groups from countries like Japan and the United States have staged their own versions, making this production a household name throughout Southeast Asia.

Ma Ye, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Arts and a drama theorist, remarked, “The creative essence of ‘Liu Sanjie’ encompasses culture, music, folklore, and communal values — deeply rooted in Guangxi’s natural and cultural resources. This work represents the best integration of local cultural resources and is a significant milestone.” He noted that in recent years, the Guangxi Drama Theatre has focused on exploring, developing, and modernizing its local cultural heritage, setting a valuable example for the development of regional theater troupes nationwide.

Lü Yuzhong, a former first-level inspector at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Arts Division, emphasized, “Guangxi’s approach to local theater has been commendable; it neither blindly follows trends nor stagnates in historical norms. Instead, it has managed to resonate with the times while showcasing modern aesthetic values, carving a sustainable path that honors tradition while innovating.”

Nurturing Talent: Balancing Broad Outreach with Precision

Experts were all praises when discussing the impressive performances during the Guangxi Drama Theatre’s showcase, noting, “In just five days with seven different plays, many actors adeptly switched roles across various productions, which is quite a feat.”

However, it’s noteworthy that over a decade ago, the Guangxi Drama Theatre faced challenges such as a lack of actors capable of leading a major production. In 2012, several major troupes—including the Guangxi Zhuang Opera Troupe, the Guangxi Gui Opera Troupe, the Guangxi Colorful Opera Troupe, and the Guangxi Peking Opera Troupe—were consolidated into the Guangxi Drama Theatre.

Long Qian, the president of the Guangxi Drama Society, explained that at that time, major actors had retired, and only the colorful opera “Liu Sanjie” could be fully performed. “Our dream started with learning. We implemented special policies to cultivate talent, nurturing performers through classic works, collaborative projects, and evaluations.”

The Guangxi Drama Theatre established a dual-track talent development plan: one focused on broadening the team with long-term training for directors and enhancing actors’ skills, while the other emphasized precision by engaging in partnerships for mentorship programs. This has led to notable young talents, like Chen Hui, who plays “Sister Mei” in “New Liu Sanjie.” She exemplifies this nurturing process, having advanced from a young performer to a main actor under the guidance of established mentors.

Looking Ahead: Connecting with Audiences on the International Stage

China hosts over 12,000 theater troupes, and the challenge lies in identifying outstanding works cherished by audiences and elevating traditional Chinese theater on the international stage.

“The audience is the lifeblood of theater; they validate its existence,” stated Zhang Rensheng, a senior playwright at the Guangxi Institute of Ethnic Culture and Arts. He added that the Guangxi Drama Theatre has made significant strides in producing artistic masterpieces but should now focus on aligning art with contemporary culture to embark on new endeavors.

Ge Guoping, president of the Society for Modern Chinese Theater, emphasized that as society evolves, so too must theater—both in terms of thematic content and artistic expression—to captivate audiences, especially the youth.

Yu Wan, a consulting expert for the Guangxi Autonomous Region’s Advisory Committee, advised the theater to refine new productions, strengthen its talent pool, enhance audience appreciation skills, and deepen research into theater theory and critique.

Since its establishment, the Guangxi Drama Theatre has been continuously innovating with 25 new creations, 28 revivals, and numerous community performances totaling over 4,800, attracting more than 3.3 million viewers.

Moreover, the theater has leveraged its regional advantages to foster cultural exchange with ASEAN countries, regularly hosting performances and workshops that invite artists from these nations to engage with local audiences. Their project “Liu Sanjie in ASEAN” has successfully presented colorful operas in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

Looking forward, Long Qian stated, “The Guangxi Drama Theatre will continue its planning efforts, incorporating community insights, expert advice, and grassroots experience to create a vibrant and unique artistic landscape, taking every step toward excellence.”