Throughout the depiction of the painting's creation, the dance honors the creators and custodians of Chinese culture. It showcases the craftsmanship of artisans that has become a treasured part of China's intangible cultural heritage, passed down through generations and brought to life onstage.
Audience member Ria Stern says she has spent a lot of time traveling to China for work, so she's somewhat familiar with Chinese culture. "I think the deep interest in history and the respect that accompanies it are some of my favorite aspects of Chinese culture," Stern says, adding that the dance serves as another window into viewing more about the art and history of China.
For actor Zhang Han, who played the painter Wang in the performance, the enthusiastic audiences were impressive.
"I didn't expect the New York audience to be so passionate. During our curtain call, the cheers grew louder with each return to the stage," Zhang says. "It's a great honor to share Chinese culture in New York, a city known for its rich theater traditions and deep appreciation for the performing arts, especially with Broadway at its heart."
Bringing a Chinese show to Broadway carries special significance and marks an important milestone, Zhang adds.
He also saw many Chinese people in the audience. "For them, seeing such a uniquely Chinese cultural and artistic expression in a foreign country must be deeply moving," he says, adding that he hopes he and his team can "perform abroad more often, connect with more people, and share the beauty of our culture with the world".
Meng Qingyang, who performed the lead role of Green, believes that "although there are geographical and cultural differences, we hope to share the essence of Chinese dance and culture with the New York audience through artistic expression".
As they traveled to different cities for each performance, they kept refining their craft and gained a deeper understanding of the characters they portray, according to Meng. "This journey fills us with a pride that will stay with us every step of the way," Meng adds.
The dance drama will return to the United States in September and there will be more Chinese shows on the international stage, says Jing Xiaoyong, chairman of the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, adding that it's more than just a performance.
"It's a powerful showcase of China's rich heritage, featuring elements of intangible cultural traditions. By weaving together Chinese history, philosophy and art, it offers American audiences a window into the Chinese worldview," Jing says, adding that such performances serve as a bridge, building a deeper understanding and appreciation of modern China while strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
