Chongqing—The stage play "Warm Taste" will premiere at the Chongqing Grand Theatre on October 9 and 10, marking its first performance in Chongqing.

Focusing on the theme of rural revitalization, the production has already garnered significant attention and acclaim through over 40 shows in nearly 20 cities across China. Notably, it is the first among the 14th China Art Festival entries and the 18th Wenhua Grand Award to be staged in Chongqing.

On October 8, lead actors Jin Dong, Liu Mintao, and Zhang Xilin shared insights into their characters, creative challenges, and impressions of Chongqing, offering a glimpse into the making of this realist drama.

Jin Dong, Liu Mintao, and Zhang Xilin share a moment during a media interview in Chongqing on October 8, ahead of the Chongqing debut of their play "Warm Taste." （Photo/Deng Yan）

Finding depth in real-life roots

In "Warm Taste," Jin Dong plays Sun Guangming, a first secretary stationed in a rural village, who serves as the central figure driving the narrative. Transitioning from the television series to the stage version, this role represents not only a significant milestone in Jin's career but also his commitment to creating works that "reflect contemporary life."

"While I've previously portrayed urban professionals like judges, lawyers, and doctors, Sun Guangming's journey from the city to the countryside allowed me to engage with the realities of grassroots life," Jin explained.

In "Warm Taste," Jin Dong plays Sun Guangming, a first secretary stationed in a rural village, who serves as the central figure driving the narrative. (Photo/China Coal Mine Art Troupe)

He recalled that the original TV series was filmed in 2018, during a crucial period in China's poverty-alleviation campaign. As an artist, he felt compelled to immerse himself in rural settings and observe authentic village life— an experience that later informed the stage adaptation.

Unlike film or television, stage performance relies heavily on nuanced details and emotional intensity. Jin admitted that the creative team initially struggled with constructing dramatic conflict. "It wasn't until we conducted field research in Yan'an and learned about the clash between traditional and modern practices in apple farming that we found our breakthrough," he said. All elements, from the Sun's subtle relationships with elderly villagers to the tension between old and new planting techniques, are rooted in real-life experiences, lending the play its authenticity.

Liu Mintao plays Hao Fengxian, a grassroots official who bridges traditional and modern perspectives. She revealed that the team conducted extensive research in rural areas, including visits to the Yellow River banks. "These real-life experiences became vital nourishment for our performances," Liu said. 

"Portraying such roles—and by extension, understanding the hard work of real grassroots cadres—is deeply challenging. With each performance, our understanding deepens, and we hope to convey the warmth and connection between villagers and local officials," Liu added.

Liu Mintao plays Hao Fengxian, a grassroots official who bridges traditional and modern perspectives. (Photo/China Coal Mine Art Troupe)

Zhang Xilin, who plays the stubborn old farmer Li Yushan, brings sparks and friction to his interactions with Jin's character. He described Li's stubbornness as rooted in a profound love for the land. Though widely recognized for his screen roles, Zhang emphasized his theatrical training and expressed a sense of homecoming in returning to the stage.

Zhang Xilin, who plays the stubborn old farmer Li Yushan, brings sparks and friction to his interactions with Jin's character. (Photo/China Coal Mine Art Troupe)

Four years of honing a tribute to rural revitalization

From script development to national tours, "Warm Taste" has been four years in the making. All three leads emphasized that each revision deepened their understanding of rural revitalization and reinforced their artistic dedication.

Jin Dong joked that adapting "Warm Taste" for the stage was like "digging a deep pit" for himself. "Rural-themed works tend to have a narrower creative scope and audience reach. But no matter how difficult it was to start from scratch, it pales in comparison to the ongoing efforts of grassroots cadres working in the countryside. Our land has nurtured such profound life and spirit—it's our duty to share and carry that forward."

Despite the challenges, the team poured their hearts into the production. The version coming to Chongqing is an upgraded one, reflecting their "sincerity in presenting an aesthetically rich, emotionally resonant, and warm piece of art," Jin added.

So far, the play has completed multiple tours nationwide, with 17 performances led by Jin, Liu, and Zhang, and 24 shows featuring younger actors like Liu Haoran. "That a rural-themed play has achieved such touring success is a huge encouragement," Jin said. "It shows audiences are willing to come to the theater to learn about the changes happening in the countryside—that’s what motivates us as artists."

Liu Mintao shared touching details about the rehearsal process. She praised Jin Dong, who also serves as head of the China Coal Mine Art Troupe, for guiding cast members from morning to night, sharing theory and practical experience to help them connect with their roles. "We've all given our best because we believe rural revitalization deserves attention and artistic expression. That's what 'warm taste' truly means."

Impressions of Chongqing: a city of warmth and fire

For Jin Dong, this trip is a long-awaited first visit to Chongqing. Though he has performed in almost every major Chinese city, he had never been here before. For Liu Mintao and Zhang Xilin, however, Chongqing holds fond memories.

"I've long heard about the beauty of Chongqing and couldn't wait to see it," Jin said with a smile. A hotpot enthusiast since his university days, he made a beeline for a local hotspot upon arriving on the evening of October 7—even though it was late. 

"Chongqing is a vibrant and fiery city, but that doesn't contradict warmth—within that fiery energy lies genuine care and compassion between people," Liu Mintao observed. She hopes the play's heartfelt storytelling will blend with the city's steaming hotpot atmosphere, allowing the audience to connect the drama with the warmth of everyday life.

"The first time I came to Chongqing years ago, I stood by the river and was struck by how stunning the city is," Zhang Xilin recalled. He still strongly remembers the bubbling hotpot here—so much so that during a previous filming stint, he visited the same hotpot restaurant nine times in ten days. 

On October 9 and 10, "Warm Taste" will unfold at the Chongqing Grand Theatre. Through the story of Sun Guangming and other grassroots cadres, this heartfelt play invites audiences to witness the transformation and warmth emerging in China's countryside—and to feel the profound bond between the people and the land, resonating within the vibrant spirit of Chongqing.