Chongqing — Following a successful first national tour, the original dance drama Tang Yin: Chuihong Bridge will be performed at Chongqing Grand Theatre on Sept. 12 and 13, with tickets going on sale across major online ticketing platforms at 11:30 a.m. on July 3.
A scene from the dance drama Tang Yin: Chuihong Bridge. (Photo/Organizer)
Jointly produced by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater and Suzhou Bay Grand Theatre, the production tells the story of Tang Yin (1470–1524), the renowned Ming Dynasty painter, calligrapher and poet whose extraordinary artistic talent endured through personal hardship and political setbacks.
Inspired by Tang Yin's life, the dance drama explores the themes of family, love and friendship while tracing his journey through some of the defining moments of his life, including his wrongful implication in the imperial examination scandal, the decline of his family's fortunes and the challenges of his later years. Through expressive choreography, the production portrays how painting, poetry and calligraphy became both his artistic legacy and a source of inner strength.
Performer appears in a scene from the dance drama Tang Yin: Chuihong Bridge. (Photo/Organizer)
Rather than portraying the legendary romantic figure familiar from folklore, Tang Yin: Chuihong Bridge presents a more human and historically grounded interpretation of the celebrated artist, highlighting his resilience and unwavering devotion to art in the face of adversity.
The production's visual design is inspired by Chuihong Bridge, a historic landmark in the Jiangnan region. Combining ink-painting aesthetics, multimedia technology and contemporary stagecraft, the performance recreates the poetic atmosphere of the Ming Dynasty while paying tribute to the cultural heritage of southern China.
Created by Chief Playwright Xu Ying and Chief Director Li Shibo, the production blends classical Chinese aesthetics with contemporary dance. Costume, lighting, multimedia and stage design work together to create an immersive theatrical experience while reflecting the elegance of Jiangnan culture and the enduring spirit of Chinese literati.
Performers take the stage in the dance drama Tang Yin: Chuihong Bridge. (Photo/Organizer)
Since its world premiere at Suzhou Bay Grand Theatre in November 2025, Tang Yin: Chuihong Bridge has completed its first national tour, visiting 12 major cities across China. The production received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike and attracted widespread attention on Chinese social media platforms, including Xiaohongshu (RedNote), Weibo and Douyin.
Many audience members said the performance introduced them to a side of Tang Yin beyond the familiar folk tales, while others praised its fusion of dance, visual artistry and traditional Chinese aesthetics. Some viewers said the production inspired them to explore Tang Yin's poetry, paintings and historical legacy after leaving the theater.
The second national tour will reunite the original cast. Wei Shenyang, Chen Bingrui and Huang Teng will portray Tang Yin at different stages of his life, while She Weiliang, Xu Zhe and Peng Zhiqi will perform the role of Shen Jiuniang, a central character in the production. Liu Limin, Guo Yiming and other dancers will also reprise their roles, portraying the friendships that shaped Tang Yin's life, including his relationship with fellow Ming Dynasty painter Wen Zhengming.
The Chongqing performances will offer audiences an opportunity to experience a contemporary dance interpretation of one of China's most celebrated cultural figures, bringing Tang Yin's life and artistic legacy to the stage through movement, music and visual storytelling.
(Zhang Xuege, an intern, also contributed to this article.)