Chongqing - Although YINZI Theatre closed its doors in 2024, Hu Yin, the founder and driving force behind the theatre, continues to breathe life into the local performing arts of Chongqing. Despite the significant setback, her relentless efforts to cultivate homegrown talent and connect the region to the international stage remain vibrant and impactful. Hu Yin embodies the spirit of Chongqing -- resilience, valiance, openness, and pioneering.

YINZI Theatre, established in 2011, was the first independent experimental theatre in Southwest China. Located in the 501 Art Base in Chongqing Huangjueping, YINZI was housed in a repurposed red-brick warehouse, a space that became a unique creative hub. With a flexible 300-square-meter layout, YINZI was designed to host small-scale, experimental performances that spanned theatre, dance, music, and multimedia art. It was more than just a venue—it was a place for experimentation, a space where the boundaries of performance art could be pushed and redefined.

Hu Yin introduces Chongqing's performing arts (Photo/Hu Yin)

Hu Yin's journey into the world of theatre was as unconventional as the theatre she created. In 2008, after achieving success as a highly paid designer in Shanghai, she boldly decided to leave her lucrative career and return to Chongqing. At the time, the city was experiencing rapid economic and cultural development, and Hu saw an opportunity to contribute to its growth through the arts. She believed that the future of Chongqing's cultural scene depended on nurturing local talent and providing a platform for artists to express themselves.

Hu Yin is working with overseas performing artists (Photo/Hu Yin)

This sense of pioneering ambition, an essential trait of the "spirit of Chongqing," drove Hu to found YINZI Theatre. Over the next 14 years, the theatre became a cornerstone of the city’s independent arts community, helping to shape the careers of many young performers and artists. YINZI's emphasis on contemporary and experimental arts allowed it to be a space for artistic innovation and collaboration. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the relocation of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute and the increasing commercialization of Huangjueping, Hu remained unwavering in her commitment to fostering Chongqing’s cultural identity and international connections.

Her ability to navigate these obstacles speaks to her resilience, another defining characteristic of the "spirit of Chongqing." Even with the closure of the YINZI Theatre, Hu continues to inspire and influence the local arts community, ensuring that the theatre's legacy lives on. Her efforts to foster openness and international exchange through projects like the "TTWF" (To See to Say), an international women’s performance art program, have strengthened Chongqing's ties with the global arts community.

The closure of YINZI Theatre in 2024 (Photo/Hu Yin)