A wave of dramas blending stunning, thrilling and extraordinary acrobatic skills with cutting-edge technology in stage design and cleverly crafted plots have amazed the audience, breathing new life into the ancient art form.
The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) recently released the list of awardees for stellar artworks which have played a role in promoting the country's cultural and ethical development, with acrobatic dramas the Snow of Tianshan Mountain and the First Sound making the cut for their outstanding theatrical works. The Snow of Tianshan Mountain, produced by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, tells the story of three generations from Shanghai and northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region working together in contribution to the construction of Xinjiang over time. With 21 difficult acrobatic acts combining with drama, dance and other art forms, the performance weaves a narrative that spans over 70 years of aid efforts in Xinjiang.
Meanwhile, the First Sound centers around the historical experiences of an ordinary family in Shenyang City in northeast China during the time of the September 18 Incident in 1931, which has been defined as the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1931 to 1945. The show incorporates more than 30 acrobatic and magic performances, including lion dance, stilts and motorbike stunts, enhanced with multimedia technology and cinematic techniques to portray the brave resistance of the people in northeast China against Japanese aggression.
"The show integrates elements of spy dramas, detective stories and suspense, blending them with acrobatics and development of the storyline," said Song Guanlin, former vice president of the National Peking Opera Company and vice president of the China Culture Administration Association. Over the past two decades, more than 300 acrobatic dramas with diverse themes and styles have been staged, using acrobatics as a medium to tell stories, shape characters and express emotions. The incorporation of modern technologies like 3D projection, holographic imaging and ice screens has made the performances more engaging, entertaining and visually captivating. "Acrobatics have a history of over 3,000 years. We should preserve the charm of them. Meanwhile, we need to learn from other art forms in the innovation of acrobatics," said Wu Zhengdan, vice president of the China Acrobats Association.
Modern drama innovation breathes new life into Chinese acrobatics
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
