On the evening of October 21, the Zhuang opera “The Baise Uprising” was performed at the Guangxi Cultural Art Center, allowing audiences to relive a remarkable chapter in history and remember the selfless dedication of revolutionary figures who fought for the country and its people.
Drawing inspiration from the Baise Uprising that took place in Guangxi during 1929, the opera features iconic personas such as Deng Xiaoping, Li Mingrui, and Wei Baqun. Using the unique style of Guangxi Zhuang opera, the performance incorporates local dialect singing, celebrating the contributions of the Zhuang people to the revolutionary cause. It tells the moving stories of those revolutionary forebears who remained steadfast in their ideals and selflessly dedicated themselves to their mission.
Young actor Mo Fenghua, who plays Deng Xiaoping, shared insights on performing historical themes. “When portraying historical subjects, we can fully utilize the passionate melodies and distinctive dance movements of Zhuang opera to convey the grand scenes of history and the noble aspirations of its characters,” he stated. He described “The Baise Uprising” as a fusion of ethnic culture and revolutionary themes, illustrating how life changed for the people after the victory of “armed rural-urban territorial divisions.” Through the opera’s unique performance style, the audience can feel the power of red culture.
Pan Lijun, a theater enthusiast from Nanning, attended the show with friends and expressed her passion for historical dramas. “The story of ‘The Baise Uprising’ resonates closely with local audiences. Revolutionary historical plays can awaken the inherent spirit of resilience in Chinese people, allowing us to inherit the red spirit and savor the emotions tied to the revolution.”
According to the Guangxi Drama Theater, the creative team began by visiting locations such as Baise City and Tiandong County to gather extensive material during the initial stages of developing “The Baise Uprising.” They studied historical documents and relevant artistic works to accurately capture the tone of the production. The segments featuring “gathering of heroes” and “heroes mourning heroes” represent a fresh exploration of red-themed storytelling.
Discussing his role, Mo Fenghua emphasized the importance of immersing oneself in history to understand the character’s thoughts, personalities, and behavioral logic. “Actors must grasp the historical context and the character’s traits to effectively embody their roles and convey the revolutionary spirit through music, stage design, and interactions with co-actors,” he explained.
Mo Fenghua believes that historical dramas inspire a sense of patriotism and responsibility among young people, encouraging them to learn about history, remember it, and carry forward cultural values.
“The Baise Uprising,” produced by the Guangxi Drama Theater, is part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s initiative to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, and has been recognized as a key supported project within the “100 Years, 100 Works” creative plan. The production has previously won awards such as the Best Drama and Best Director awards at the Sixth National Minority Art Festival, along with the Guangxi Cultural Creation Bronze Drum Award and the Guangxi “Five One Project” Excellent Work Award.