Drama honors Shanxi's pioneers, rail workers

In Taiyuan, Shanxi province, the heroic tales of rail workers who helped build the province's railways came alive on stage at the Jin Opera Art Research Institute through the theatrical production of The Long Song of Iron.

The captivating production vividly recreated the century-long history of the Communist Party of China and the development of Shanxi's rail system, weaving together powerful stories of railway workers.

At the center of this narrative is the character of Gao Junyu, a revolutionary pioneer of the Party, portrayed by Bai Zhining, a 26-year-old employee of the Taiyuan Railway Vehicle Depot of China Railway Taiyuan Group.

Gao's life, marked by his passionate commitment to revolution and a profound patriotic spirit, posed a challenging role for Bai. "When I was cast in this role, I felt an overwhelming sense of reverence," Bai said. "Gao Junyu and I share the fervor of youthful revolutionaries. Yet, capturing the essence of such a vivid historical figure required a delicate balance in performance."

At the show's premiere on Aug 20, Bai stood at the center of the stage and boldly portrayed the character with a deep sense of respect. "Gao was a native of Taiyuan, deeply rooted in the revolutionary soil of Shanxi, carrying the weight of local Red history and the memories of his era," Bai said.

Looking back, in 1924, Gao spearheaded the establishment of the first Shanxi Party organization, marking a new phase in the region's revolutionary movement. This year, as the Party celebrates its 105th anniversary, it also marks the 130th anniversary of Gao's birth. He died in 1925. Through the drama, Bai was able to connect with the spirit of his predecessors, reinforcing his own beliefs and ideals.

The play, divided into nine acts, blended ideological depth with artistic and visual appeal. After a number of tours across multiple cities in the province, the play concluded in September, having brought to life the century-old Red legacy of the railway, making the rich history tangible and resonant with the audience.

Bai's performance was rooted in a deep understanding of the principle "from the masses, to the masses". During his performance, clad in traditional attire, he crouched beside workers, gazing into the weathered faces of the laborers. It was at this point, Bai said, that he truly understood the profound bond shared between the revolutionary pioneers and the working masses.

Among the audience was Wang Yaozhang, a railway attendant who was deeply moved by the performance. He remarked on the unwavering dedication of railway pioneers across different eras who, amidst the chaos of war and harsh conditions, shouldered the responsibility of ensuring transportation and communication. This legacy of dedication has been passed down through generations of railway workers who remain committed to their mission.

"This performance not only revealed the century-long struggle of railway development, but also inspired me with the strength to persevere in my own duties," Wang said.

The cast of the play comprised grassroots railway workers, with a creative team responsible for writing, directing, and performing. To authentically capture history and ensure the quality of the performance, the team consulted extensively with experts in the Party and railway history, undergoing numerous revisions to bring this Red cultural drama to the stage.

Sun Hao contributed to this story.