On March 4, the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater and Suzhou Bay Grand Theatre jointly announced the launch of the dance drama Chuihong Farewell: Tang Yin (唐寅:垂虹别意). This highly anticipated production delves into the fascinating life of Tang Yin (唐寅), a celebrated Ming dynasty scholar, poet, and painter, known for his artistic brilliance and charismatic persona. Through an innovative blend of dance, music, and visual storytelling, the performance aims to breathe new life into Jiangnan's rich cultural heritage while presenting Tang Yin's personal journey of triumphs and trials.
Tang Yin, often regarded as the "Most Romantic Scholar of Jiangnan," was famed for his poetic talent, calligraphic finesse, and exceptional painting skills. Yet, his life was not merely a tale of aesthetic achievement; it was also marked by dramatic twists of fate. From his early years of scholarly ambition to his fall from grace due to a scandalous examination fraud accusation, Tang Yin's story embodies the age-old themes of ambition, disillusionment, and enlightenment. Chuihong Farewell: Tang Yin is set against the picturesque backdrop of Suzhou's Wujiang District, with the iconic Chuihong Bridge serving as a symbolic anchor for the narrative.
As a central government-affiliated performing arts institution, the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater is committed to revitalizing historical figures and narratives. "Our mission is to bring history to life and make cultural heritage speak to contemporary audiences," said Zhuge Yannian, Party Secretary of the theater. "By collaborating with Suzhou Bay Grand Theatre, we merge national artistic excellence with local cultural identity, allowing Jiangnan's literary legacy to shine on a modern stage."
Artistic Innovation
Director Li Shibo described the production's creative approach, which interweaves six core motifs—dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows, dewdrops, and lightning—to construct a poetic and immersive storytelling experience. By fusing elements of classical Chinese dance, calligraphy, and traditional Jiangnan aesthetics, the production aspires to capture the essence of Tang Yin's inner world.
To ensure historical accuracy and cultural authenticity, the creative team conducted extensive field research over the past year in Suzhou's Wujiang District. They visited Chuihong Bridge, Tongli Ancient Town, and other historical sites, drawing inspiration from Jiangnan's classical gardens, canals, and literary heritage. Their goal is to transport audiences into the refined and introspective world of Ming dynasty literati.
Chuihong Bridge (垂虹桥), an enduring landmark in Wujiang, has witnessed centuries of Jiangnan's cultural evolution. Known as the "First Long Bridge of Jiangnan," it has been a meeting place for scholars and poets for generations. Recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 2019, the bridge will serve not only as a visual centerpiece in the dance drama but also as a metaphor for Tang Yin's transformation—his passage from worldly ambition to philosophical transcendence.
Wujiang District's Cultural and Tourism Minister, Dai Dan, expressed enthusiasm about the production's potential impact: "We hope this dance drama will elevate Chuihong Bridge from a historical landmark to a cultural icon, revitalizing Jiangnan's artistic legacy in contemporary society."
A National-Level Collaboration
The collaboration between the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater and Suzhou Bay Grand Theatre represents a powerful synergy between a prestigious national arts institution and a regional cultural hub. Since 2023, the two organizations have worked together on themed performance seasons and talent development programs, fostering a dynamic artistic exchange between the central and local levels.
In creating Chuihong Farewell: Tang Yin, the production team leverages the expertise of the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater—renowned for acclaimed productions such as Li Bai and Confucius—while also drawing upon Suzhou Bay Grand Theatre's deep connection with Jiangnan's artistic traditions. This partnership seeks to not only produce an outstanding stage work but also to catalyze broader cultural initiatives, including museum exhibitions and theatrical tours, ensuring a multi-dimensional appreciation of Tang Yin's legacy.
Chen Yuan, Chairman of the Wujiang Cultural and Tourism Group, emphasized that this collaboration goes beyond conventional arts programming: "We're not just creating a dance drama; we're activating the entire cultural ecosystem. By combining historical narratives with contemporary artistic innovation, we can inspire new generations to engage with Jiangnan's intellectual and artistic heritage."
Bringing Tang Yin's Story to a Wider Audience
Following its planned world premiere in Beijing in August 2025, Chuihong Farewell: Tang Yin is set to embark on an extensive national tour across 15 cities, including Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Yangzhou, Wenzhou, Jiaxing, Xiamen, Quanzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Chengdu, Xi'an, and Nanning. By reaching audiences in diverse regions, the production aims to foster a renewed appreciation for traditional Chinese culture through the powerful medium of dance.
Chuihong Farewell: Tang Yin stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Jiangnan's literary and artistic legacy. Through its breathtaking choreography, evocative music, and rich visual storytelling, this dance drama promises to transport audiences into the poetic and profound world of one of China's most legendary scholar-artists. Whether you are a lover of history, a fan of classical Chinese culture, or simply seeking a mesmerizing theatrical experience, this production offers a rare opportunity to witness the romance and brilliance of Jiangnan's most celebrated talent come to life on stage.
