The large-scale ethnic dance drama "Awakening Lion" will be staged at the Meixihu International Culture & Arts Center Grand Theater, Changsha on January 1 and 2, 2026, ushering in a vibrant and hopeful start to the new year for local audiences.

As China's first original dance drama centering on the national intangible cultural heritage item Guangdong lion dance, "Awakening Lion", also known as "Xingshi", the work has not only captured the Wenhua Award, China's top national honor for professional stage productions, but also won the Lotus Award, China's top award for professional dance. It has also been selected as a "National Outstanding Production" jointly recommended by multiple central government ministries.

Set against the backdrop of the Opium War over a century ago, the drama traces the story of Cantonese youth practicing and competing in lion dance. Through the perspective of contemporary lion dancers looking back at their predecessors, the drama reflects on history and conveys a vision of national rejuvenation characterized by the enduring vitality of lion dance culture and the ever-lasting Chinese heritage.

Artistically bold and innovative, the drama takes the Southern Lion Dance as its spiritual core, skillfully integrating Lingnan intangible cultural elements such as Nanquan (or Southern Fist) and Muyu narrative singing. Enhanced by multimedia visual technology and simple yet expressive stage design, the production creates a theatrical language that is deeply rooted in tradition while resonating with contemporary sensibility.

At the heart of the drama lies its relentless vitality and uplifting spirit. In the drama, the lion dance is not only a folk art but also a spiritual symbol of unity, perseverance, and pioneering endeavor.

This marks the drama's debut in Changsha after winning the Wenhua Award. With two shows during the New Year's Day holiday, it will offer local audiences a cultural feast that blends intangible heritage, national spirit, and New Year auspiciousness.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn. 

Translator: Kuang Zhenzhen

Chinese source: Voice of Hunan