A theatrical performance titled "Farewell" delivered a heartfelt portrayal of the strong ties forged between the Red Army and local civilians as it depicted the soldiers’ emotional send-off during a televised gala commemorating the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Red Army's Long March on Thursday.
The Long March (1934-1936) was a defining military maneuver undertaken by the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, symbolizing endurance and perseverance which ultimately paved the way for the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
Titled "Ode to the Long March," the five-part gala broadcast by the China Media Group (CMG) centers on key historical junctures of the arduous 12,500-kilometer journey.
One of the segments featured a stirring piece that centers on the iconic folk ballad "Ten Farewells to the Red Army," recreating the moving scene between Red Army soldiers and the local residents as the troops prepared to depart on their epic military odyssey. Melancholic verses about autumn rain and falling leaves, alongside villagers' poignant questions of when the troops will return, vividly underscore the inseparable bond between the military and the people.
This historical moment traces back to the autumn of 1934, when the Central Red Army assembled by the Yudu River in the eastern Jiangxi Province to first embark on the Long March. The scene captures the tears and earnest prayers of local villagers as they saw the soldiers off, illustrating the steadfast public support that became a crucial pillar of strength for the eventual revolutionary triumph.
Integrating music, dance, drama, and folk art, the performances at the Gala vividly recall the immense hardships the Red Army endured and showcase the firm beliefs held by the Communist Party of China (CPC), even in the face of sacrifice and suffering.
The broadcast followed a commemorative meeting held earlier on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech.
The Long March began in October 1934, when 86,000 poorly armed soldiers began a grueling 12,500-kilometer journey across some of the country's harshest terrain to establish a new revolutionary base. The march concluded in October 1936 when three main Red Army forces converged in northwestern China.
Theatrical gala performance highlights strong army-civilian bond during Long March send-off
Theatrical gala performance highlights strong army-civilian bond during Long March send-off
