​Enjoy drama carnival in Pingshan in summer

Drama enthusiasts will have the opportunity to indulge in a 12-day carnival in Pingshan District from Aug. 7 to 18.

The highly-anticipated Changshou Dramaville, nestled in the 300-year-old Changshou Hakka village to the northeast of Maluan Mountain, will open Aug. 7. Over 30 activities, including performances, exhibitions, script readings and workshops, will take place at Changshou Dramaville and Pingshan Theater.

Dramas, musical, concerts

The Aug. 7 opening of Changshou Dramaville will feature Longma Studio’s Chinese drama “I Love Peach Blossom” at its 300-seat theater. Directed by and starring esteemed actor Zhang Guoli, the drama tells a tale of a married couple entwined with the wife’s lover, reflecting on the complexities in relationships. The drama will continue to be staged at Changshou Dramaville throughout the month. Tickets can be purchased via WeChat miniprogram “大麦”.

A poster of Longma Studio’s “I Love Peach Blossom.” Photos from the organizer

Longma Studio will also present the Chinese version of “The Shawshank Redemption” at Pingshan Theater on Aug. 9. Adapted from the original English play and under Zhang’s direction, this boundary-breaking Chinese rendition was performed by 11 Chinese-speaking foreigners. It has received widespread acclaim when it toured nationwide this year, following its successful debut in Pingshan in January.

A poster of Longma Studio’s “The Shawshank Redemption.”

Music lovers can enjoy a concert presented by renowned Chinese violinist, conductor and educator Chai Liang on Aug. 8 at Pingshan Theater; more performances, such as French musical “Mozart, L’opéra Rock,” are scheduled to be staged later this month. Tickets can be purchased via WeChat account “坪山大剧院”.

Chai Liang in a poster of his Aug. 8 concert.

Screenings

Literature enthusiasts can watch screenings of classic works, such as “Romeo + Juliet,” “Hamlet,” “Mr. Donkey,” and “Teahouse,” at Changshou Dramaville from Aug. 8 to 13.

Talks, workshops

In the centuries-old Hakka houses at Changshou Dramaville, cultural scholars and artists will be invited to hold discussions on art, architecture and other avant-garde topics. On Aug. 7 night, renowned stage actor Pu Cunxin and scriptwriter Liu Zhenyun will engage in a talk. Moreover, a play-reading event, a discussion on shadow plays, performance workshops, and more talks are scheduled throughout the month.

Exhibitions

There’s also a library and exhibition halls at Changshou Dramaville for diverse events. Starting Aug. 7, visitors can admire the Huaxian shadow puppets and instruments from Shaanxi Province at an exhibition running throughout the year. The exhibits are collected by Zhang Guoli and the Huaxian shadow play is a traditional folk art with a history of over 2,000 years.

A Huaxian shadow puppet. 

Activities across Pingshan

More drama-themed activities will be held at various locations across Pingshan District, such as a drama class for children at Pingshan Cultural House on the mornings of Aug. 10-11, and evening concerts on Aug. 8, 10 and 11 at the camping site in Pingshan Central Park.

Pingshan aspires to establish itself as a premier drama hub within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition to the new Changshou Dramaville, Pingshan remains committed to nurturing industry professionals, fostering original productions, and propelling the growth of the drama sector. Last June, Pingshan District forged a collaborative agreement with Longma Studio to produce excellent original works, leading to the studio’s establishment in Changshou Village.

Nestled amid lush greenery, Changshou Dramaville stands as a public art base, featuring art studios, inns, restaurants, and cafes. The renovated 300-year-old Hakka houses, preserving traditional architectural styles, serve as an ideal setting. Future plans include artist-in-residence programs, actor trainings, cultural exchanges, artistic collaborations, and cross-disciplinary innovations to enrich the cultural landscape.

Changshou Dramaville

长守戏剧谷

Metro: Line 16 to Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall (东纵纪念馆站), Exit and then take Bus M575 or 964 to Chi’ao Stop (赤坳站)

Pingshan Theater 

坪山大剧院

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Center Station (坪山中心站), Exit C