New life tiptoes into famed red classic

A new rendition of the classic Chinese dance drama, Railway Guerrillas, premiered at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing on Wednesday, with shows running through Sunday.

This reimagined version brings to life the camaraderie and unity between soldiers and civilians, and the unwavering patriotism of the wartime years, drawing audiences into the heroism of ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges.

Coproduced by the NCPA and the Beijing Dance Academy, the updated Railway Guerrillas vividly depicts the story of a group of railway workers and farmers who, during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), formed a guerrilla force to fight Japanese invaders. Their courage and sacrifice stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Chinese people.

A well-known red classic in China, Railway Guerrillas gained widespread fame through its 1957 film adaptation. First staged as a dance drama in 2010, it has become an iconic piece celebrated for its stirring music, dramatic choreography, and deep patriotic sentiment.

Now, 15 years later, this new adaptation gathers a stellar team of artists, including playwright Zhao Daming, composer Zhao Lin, director Tian Lu, and visual director Ren Dongsheng, breathing new life into this heroic saga and crafting a fresh interpretation for contemporary audiences.