Immersive drama -The Most Beautiful Jasmine (tentative title)- premieres in Fuzhou
On the evening of October 1st, the Fujian Provincial Experimental Min Opera Theater debuted its immersive drama, “The Most Beautiful Jasmine Flower,” at Zhongrui Theater in Anmin Alley, Sanfang Qixiang, Fuzhou City. This performance offered a rich cultural and historical experience in honor of National Day.
“The Most Beautiful Jasmine Flower” is deeply inspired by Fuzhou’s vibrant history and cultural heritage. It follows the journey of contemporary PhD student Lin Weiran and Taiwanese youth Ye Sibao as they explore Fuzhou’s past through academic research, focusing on the iconic Sanfang Qixiang area.
The production creates a vibrant and playful atmosphere through humorous interactions, incorporating elements such as Lin Juemin’s “Letter to His Wife” and the patriotic traditions of the Lin family, highlighting Fuzhou’s pivotal role in modern Chinese history.
Setting itself apart from traditional theater, “The Most Beautiful Jasmine Flower” offers an immersive experience that invites audience interaction. Attendees can engage with actors who “sell” traditional crafts like jasmine flowers and horn combs, fully immersing them in the charm of Fuzhou’s intangible cultural heritage.
On opening night, a diverse crowd gathered at Zhongrui Theater to embark on this historical journey, celebrating the richness of Fuzhou’s cultural legacy. Mr. Chen, a visitor from Shanghai, shared his thoughts, stating, “This play was refreshing and particularly meaningful during National Day, serving as a tribute to traditional culture while also providing a modern reinterpretation.”
The production is a collaborative effort from the Fuzhou Gulou District Cultural Tourism Investment Development Co., in conjunction with the Fujian Provincial Experimental Min Opera Theater and Haishi (Fujian) Film and Television Co., Ltd. Fuzhou Dongming Cultural Communication Co., Ltd. handles operations, with significant support from the China-Switzerland Cultural Development Group. Interestingly, “The Most Beautiful Jasmine Flower” is still a working title, and the team has initiated a public naming campaign for the next week.
At the helm is Zhou Hong, president of the Fujian Provincial Experimental Min Opera Theater, with the script co-written by young playwright Zhang Xin and theater deputy director Lin Jie, who also directs the production. This collaboration artfully combines Fuzhou’s historical culture with contemporary artistic methods, allowing audiences to experience the significance of Fuzhou’s notable figures and the enduring spirit of patriotism.
Zhou Hong remarked on the theater’s commitment to exploring new avenues for integrating culture and tourism in recent years. “Revitalizing traditional opera culture requires continuous innovation and breakthroughs,” he stated. Consequently, they have launched a series of acclaimed immersive theatrical works, including “Fuzhou Meets Confucianism,” “Fujian in Song Lyrics,” and “Awakening Mountains and Rivers.”
He believes these initiatives allow audiences to truly appreciate the allure of traditional culture through direct interactions. They reflect not only innovative artistic expression but also a demonstration of cultural confidence, promoting intangible heritage and revitalizing Min opera for a new era.
