ACFTU art group to stage performances honoring workers

The Art Ensemble of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions will put on three performances in Beijing's Poly Theater from Nov 27 to 29, sending a message of respect for the role models who made great contributions to the country since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949.

Featuring songs, dancing and drama, the performances tell stories based on real events and people, such as oil driller Wang Jinxi (1923-1970), who devoted his life to the development of China's oil production, Deng Jiaxian (1924-1986), a leading nuclear physics expert and a major contributor to China's nuclear programs, and Wang Chonglun (1927-2002), a skilled worker at the Anshan Steel and Iron Works.

Classic Chinese songs from the 1950s, which portray scenes of Chinese workers, will be performed during the shows, such as Powerful Workers written by Ma Ke in 1947 for workers at a steel factory in Jiamusi, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. New songs are also written by musicians of the art ensemble for the upcoming shows.

"It has seen an amazing amount of change since 1949, especially during the past two decades when reform and opening-up has delivered rapid and sustained growth. However, the memories of past heroes and glories are still remembered and portrayed through different art forms, which inspires the younger generations," said Chen Sisi, a veteran singer who is also the vice-president of the ensemble. She announced the shows in Beijing on Nov 9.

Founded in 1956, the Art Ensemble of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions has a reputation for bringing art shows to workers, especially those working in remote areas of the country. The ensemble also invites workers who are interested in arts to perform together.

In April, the art ensemble released a song, titled Love Heals, dedicated to people fighting against the coronavirus.

"We've watched some videos and photos of workers from the 1950s and 1960s. We are touched by their passion for their jobs and their hard work. Though they are ordinary workers in daily life, those people played a significant role in the country's development," said Sun Wenbin, artistic director of the performances, adding some of the scenes from old photos and videos have been adapted into the shows.