Chongqing - From February 21 to 23, the dance drama Tianxia Dazu or For an Eternal Homeland — The Stone Carvers' Legacy will take the stage at the Chongqing Grand Theatre for three performances.

The stage photo of the dance drama "Tianxia Dazu." (Photo/The event organizer)

Initially planned for two shows, the first stop of the drama's debut tour has added an extra performance due to high demand. After tickets went on sale on January 3, over 3,000 tickets sold out quickly, with many fans eagerly expressing their anticipation through phone calls and messages.

The dance drama, which premiered in Beijing's Poly Theatre in December 2024, has already gained significant popularity. But what makes it so captivating, and how does it bring the art of the Dazu Rock Carvings to life?

As the last monumental milestone in the history of cave art, the Dazu Rock Carvings not only display the deep historical roots of Chinese culture but also vividly reflect the spirit of the Chinese people. The carvings, rich in ethnic, secular, and life-oriented characteristics, embody traditional values such as compassion, kindness, filial piety, righteousness, and integrity, making them a prime example of Chinese-style cave art.

With over 1,300 years of history, the Dazu Rock Carvings, as a World Heritage Site, feature over 140 cliffside statues, more than 50,000 figures, and thousands of inscriptions. Yet, the 46 craftsmen whose names are etched in stone, the true creators of this masterpiece, are often overlooked. The dance drama is dedicated to these ordinary artisans, immortalizing their contribution to one of humanity's greatest cultural legacies.

The stage photo of the dance drama "Tianxia Dazu." (Photo/The event organizer)

The dance drama draws inspiration from the Dazu Rock Carvings, deeply exploring and interpreting their cultural significance. The performance brings these ancient relics to life using dance drama, which resonates with younger audiences.

The stage photo of the dance drama "Tianxia Dazu." (Photo/The event organizer)

Renowned directors Han Zhen and Zhou Liya guide the artistic vision behind the production. Both have directed the acclaimed dance drama Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting. Young stars Zhang Han and Meng Qingyang, who are highly popular among younger audiences, take on the leading roles.

The stage photo of the dance drama "Tianxia Dazu." (Photo/The event organizer)

The production's high-quality craftsmanship is evident from its initial promotional photos, which viewers praised for their breathtaking visual impact. Many commented that the images seemed like the stone figures were stepping down from the cliff walls. The stage artistically recreates a rich variety of figures from the Dazu carvings, such as the graceful Guanyin, the Water Moon Guanyin, the Flute Girl, and the Chicken-Feeding Woman.

The stage photo of the dance drama "Tianxia Dazu." (Photo/The event organizer)

Producer Wu Shan shared that the creative team spent years traveling to the Dazu Rock Carvings, "dialoguing" with the statues on the cliffs to understand and appreciate the carvings' artistry.

The production, which took two years to complete, centers on the ordinary workers behind the carvings, paying tribute to the craftsmen of China's ancient civilization. Characters such as the "Master," who designs and drafts the sculptures; "Old Iron," who refines the sculptures with meticulous craftsmanship; the "Big Power," who handles the rough carving; "Scholar," who works on calligraphy; and "Monk," who is responsible for measurements, vividly bring to life the artisan figures.

Leading actor Zhang Han explained that the cast used stone carving techniques to portray their roles authentically. Co-star Meng Qingyang shared that each time she stepped into character, she focused on cultivating a calm and steady mindset to align herself with the role's demeanor.

Jiang Siwei, Director of the Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute and expert advisor for the production, expressed his admiration for the play. He said, "The dance drama is uplifting, visually stunning, and powerful, giving even those who have never been to Dazu an initial understanding of the carvings. The play offers a glimpse of the spirit of 'opening mountains and transforming stones,' showcasing the legacy of craftsmanship frozen in stone. We hope young dance drama enthusiasts, in particular, will appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural heritage conveyed through this performance."