Musical in Xiamen blends heritage, modernity

The musical Sound of Gulangyu debuts in Xiamen. [Photo/Xiamen Evening Mews]

The original musical Sound of Gulangyu caused an excited stir when it made its debut on May 9 in Xiamen Jiageng Theatre, located in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province.

As a signature cultural production of the city, the musical celebrates local Gulangyu Island's rich heritage through music and storytelling.

Inspired by the stories of overseas Chinese from Gulangyu, the musical revolves around the themes of "an island, a community, a piano and a home".

It follows Wu Qiming, a Gulangyu musician living abroad, as he rediscovers his roots while searching for "the first piano owned by a Chinese on the island".

The production features a unique fusion of traditional Minnan or southern Fujian melodies with contemporary rock and jazz arrangements.

Innovative stagecraft combines piano motifs with multimedia projections and rotating sets, creating a visually compelling experience that transports audiences across time and space.

Additionally, the costumes employ colors and design styles to portray the rhythm of the times and express prevailing sentiments; the choreography expresses the characters' emotions and tension with delicate body language, with youthful and dynamic group dances, as well as lyrical passages, that show homesickness and perseverance.

Following its successful premiere, the musical will continue its run for 11 more performances at Xiamen Jiageng Theater to May 17, with plans for a national tour to share Gulangyu's musical legacy with audiences across China.