On October 20, in Nanning, a recent performance of the musical “New Liu Sanjie” showcased a modern twist on the beloved tale, attracting a youthful audience. The show creatively blends traditional mountain songs with elements of rock music, featuring characters like rural e-commerce workers and delivery drivers, capturing the essence of contemporary life.

During an interview, actress Chen Hui, who plays the character “Jiemei,” emphasized the show’s ability to resonate with young viewers through its innovative take on folk songs. “We incorporate many adapted folk melodies, and with the addition of modern elements, this new version has helped us connect with a broader, younger audience,” she explained.

As one of China’s first recognized forms of intangible cultural heritage, the Cai Diaoju, or colorful local opera, serves as a cultural treasure of Guangxi. The art form reflects the daily lives, loves, and labor of a multi-ethnic population in the region and has remained popular for generations.

To cater to modern audiences, many local theater groups in Guangxi are infusing new elements into traditional operas. This refreshing approach, often described as “old plays with a new twist,” aims to make Chinese opera stylish and appealing to the younger generation.

The performance on October 19 at the Guangxi National Theatre presented “New Liu Sanjie” through the lens of several youth from the Zhuang ethnic group, exploring their dreams through song. The show diverges from the original narrative, focusing on the aspirations of today’s youth against a backdrop of the beautiful rural life in China, making it relatable to contemporary viewers. Chen highlighted the show’s innovative fusion of traditional melodies and popular music genres, which helps enhance its appeal to younger audiences.

On stage, Chen’s portrayal of “Jiemei” reflects the traditional qualities of Liu Sanjie, known for her kindness, intelligence, and singing talent. The narrative structure shares similarities with the 1960 film directed by Su Li, with character dynamics that evoke a sense of romantic compatibility and relatability.

Actor Wu Yongzhi, who plays “Alang,” noted that the relationship between “Jiemei” and “Alang” mirrors the themes commonly found in today’s popular dating reality shows. The story raises relevant questions about love, ambition, and personal aspirations that resonate with young people’s experiences.

Chen believes that integrating contemporary ideas can spark young people’s interest in theater and cultural heritage, transitioning them from merely enjoying new performances to understanding the richness of traditional Chinese opera.

Long Qian, the director of the Guangxi Drama Theatre, shared that over the years, the theater has organized numerous cross-cultural performances, such as “Liu Sanjie Goes to ASEAN” and “Roots and Soul Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition.” These shows not only highlight distinctive ethnic features but also promote cultural exchange with countries in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, as well as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Long added, “Liu Sanjie” serves as a cultural symbol of Guangxi. By leveraging innovative productions and recognizable local mountain songs, alongside modern musical elements like rap and rock, the theater showcases a new vision of happiness and prosperity in China. Looking ahead, productions like “New Liu Sanjie,” which reflect the spirit of contemporary China, are anticipated to reach international audiences.

In discussing the emergence of new adaptations aimed at engaging youth, Chen Yongquan, vice chairman of the China Dramatists Association, expressed that Chinese theater should focus on originality and modernize traditional works. By finding contemporary relevance in classic narratives, these timeless stories can remain vibrant and alive in the present, thus fostering the development of new classics.