Pioneering Chinese theater targets global audience with 'new codification' style

Ding has many traditional plays under his belt, including his latest piece, "I Did Not Kill My Husband," based on the eponymous work by Chinese novelist Liu Zhenyun. It centers on a woman, Li Xuelian, who lives in rural China and spends over 20 years earning back society's respect after her former husband tarnishes her reputation.

The stage adaptation integrates modern elements with traditional performing arts. It features somersaults and other movements from Peking Opera as well as playful rap and hip-hop. Ding calls the style "New Codification," a new method of theater acting that combines Western and Chinese techniques.

In 2021, Ding reimagined Oscar Wilde's classic novel, "The Picture of Dorian Grey" for the 8th Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Entitled "Reflection," his version of the tale follows a kind-hearted fisherman who has been bullied by a local thug and ignored by the other villagers. Although the story is a Western classic, Ding said the emotions conveyed in the play are universal, including love, desire and creativity.

Ding recalls how he used to visit art museums every week to draw inspiration for his works from the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali, and various world civilizations.

Now that he has successfully made the transition from acting to directing, he hopes to create more innovative spaces for budding thespians who are keen to push the creative envelope.