Performers in the spotlight

"I've been working in the performing arts industry for nearly 20 years and this documentary introduces a diverse and passionate group of artists in China. Some of them are adapting Western art forms into Chinese productions, while the others are keeping the old Chinese arts tradition and work hard to connect with contemporary audiences," says producer Zhang Bo, who works with Bilibili, a co-producer of the documentary.

Zhang brought international artists to China for cultural exchange programs before he became a documentary producer. He says that for foreign audiences, art is a great way to learn and understand a country.

"Even a Chinese audience member who may be familiar with the art forms and artists will gain a fuller picture after watching the documentary and be inspired to go to the theaters to enjoy the arts themselves," says Zhang.

"Chinese artists are building diversity in the performing arts scene. It means being engaged in attracting audiences, creating engagement, and using technology," says Xiao Yan, producer of a Kunqu Opera production, Six Records of a Floating Life, adapted from the classic book by Shen Fu, a writer and painter from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Premiering in 2018, the play has garnered a large fan base with its innovative presentation which sets performers against the backdrop of Canglang Pavilion in Suzhou, a place with a history dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The play opened to around 50 audience members and allowed them to enjoy the show in a garden as an immersive experience.

The production was featured in the documentary.

"We've produced four versions and will stage the fifth version, with new arrangements of lighting effects and designs, which will allow audiences to have a natural view of the garden while enjoying the show," says director Hu Hanchi, who was born and raised in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, and was introduced to Kunqu Opera by his parents, both of whom were performers at the Zhejiang Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera Art Theater.

The young director, who is also a fan of hip-hop music, has created stage productions rooted in traditional Chinese operas, including his second production, A Box, at the Avignon Festival, an annual arts festival held in the French city.

"The enduring value of China's performing arts allows us to be creative, with bold ideas. What we do is to get our ideas out there and to reach audiences," says Hu.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn