From March 13 to 15, the "phenomenal" dance drama Tiangong Kaiwu (Exploitation of the Works of Nature) will grace the stage of Changsha Meixi Lake International Culture & Art Center Grand Theater. Based on the life of Song Yingxing, a scientist of the Ming Dynasty, and his magnum opus Tiangong Kaiwu—hailed as the "encyclopedia of crafts in the 17th century"—the dance drama boasts an all-star cast of accomplished dancers. It vividly depicts the journey of the ancient Chinese scientist who devoted himself to the study of traditional science and craftsmanship.
The dance drama masterfully integrates dance, video, and modern technology, breathing vivid life into this classic work. Its stage design adheres to the Ming Dynasty aesthetic principles of "grandeur, ingenuity, and simplicity," with the 123 line drawings from the original book serving as the core visual element, complemented by large-scale installations to create a stunning immersive effect. The costume design fuses characteristics of Ming-Dynasty attire with patterns from pottery unearthed in Wannian, Jiangxi, blending ancient charm with primal vitality. The music, crafted from original labor sounds such as blacksmithing, farming, and work chants, is simple yet expressive. Directed by Lu Chuan, the production incorporates cinematic techniques into the stage performance, defining "Ming-style aesthetics" through multi-dimensional artistic expressions. It not only recreates the wisdom and creativity of ancient Chinese laborers but also fully conveys Song Yingxing’s perseverance and profound national sentiments.
Since its tour kicked off in July 2024, the dance drama has traveled to 38 cities at home and abroad, staging 140 performances with a cumulative online views exceeding 1 billion. Its immense popularity has made it a blockbuster, with tickets highly sought-after.
