Recently, the Aral Cultural Center hosted the first performance of “My Fanglin Village,” a modern play by the Taizhou Luantan Theater Company from Zhejiang. This production, crafted with care, utilizes traditional art forms to narrate the evolution of rural industrial restructuring.

This event marks a significant opportunity to enhance understanding and friendship between Zhejiang and Xinjiang, as well as between Taizhou and Aral. The cultural performance serves as a catalyst for deepening cultural exchanges, expanding cooperation, and innovating collaborative models between the two regions.

On stage, the actors showcased remarkable skills and deep emotions, vividly reflecting the challenges and touching moments of Secretary Fanghua’s journey to help villagers prosper. Each scene—from the tough decision to close down brick kilns to the rapid development of an automotive city, and from the unified mindset of returning farmers to innovative practices in profit-sharing—captivated the audience.

This is the second time that lead actor Bao Chenre has performed in Aral. “Last time, we presented a traditional Luantan snippet; this time, we are excited to bring ‘My Fanglin Village,’ a modern play. We hope the local audience will appreciate Taizhou Luantan and the culture of Taizhou,” he shared.

As the only local opera genre in Taizhou, Luantan has a history of over 400 years and is recognized as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage projects. Its distinct style blends comedic and dramatic elements, featuring a singing style mainly based on Luantan but also incorporating influences from Kunqu, Gaoqiang, Huiju, and other musical forms. The stage language merges Central Plains dialects with Taizhou vernacular, creating an engaging and accessible performance.

“My Fanglin Village” masterfully integrates traditional artistic elements with contemporary themes, preserving the unique charm of Taizhou Luantan while infusing modern significance into the theatrical narrative, making it a significant work in the realm of Taizhou arts.

Shang Wenbo, the director of the Taizhou Luantan Theater Company, mentioned that they plan to create a new piece showcasing the stories of Aral in the Luantan style, aiming to reflect the city’s spirit on stage.

Additionally, beyond the major theatrical production, the Taizhou Luantan Theater Company will conduct six community performances in various counties and towns in Aral, bringing delightful cultural programs directly to grassroots audiences.