Drama brings classic science book to life

Sounds of labor such as farming, sericulture, smelting and pulling bellows blended with the rhythm as dancers joyously depicted the contentment and comfort that ancient people derived from these activities. The dance drama adaptation of the Chinese science classic Tian Gong Kai Wu, or The Exploitation of the Works of Nature, commenced its nationwide tour recently in Xiamen, Fujian province, bringing to life a nearly 400-year-old masterpiece.

The book, compiled by Song Yingxing, a scientist who lived during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), was first published in 1637 during the reign of Emperor Chongzhen. It offers a summary of ancient China's manufacturing and farming techniques, earning recognition as an encyclopedia of science and technology from that time.

Known as the world's first comprehensive treatise on agriculture and handicraft production, the pioneering work has since been translated into multiple languages, including English, Japanese, French, German and Russian.

The eponymous drama, co-produced by the Jiangxi Cultural Performance Group and the Beijing Dance Academy, is helmed by Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, known for directing the movie Mountain Patrol and the Hangzhou Asian Games' opening ceremony.

"Song was profoundly intrigued by the ingenuity and creativity of laborers," said Xu Binbin, director of the Song Yingxing Memorial Museum, located in Song's home county of Fengxin, Jiangxi province.

"During his six trips to the capital to take the imperial examinations, or keju in Chinese, he made multiple visits to farmlands and workshops along the way, meticulously documenting his observations on agricultural techniques and craftsmanship," Xu said.

Lu said, "The drama revolves around Song's quest, portraying his journey to gather the techniques and tools and emphasizing the craftsmanship of ancient Chinese laborers. The graceful dance infuses vitality into this science encyclopedia, which may otherwise seem cold and dull."

Hu Wenjun, who headed to the theater in Xiamen after finishing work to watch the show, found himself captivated by the spectacular choreography. "It is a novel endeavor to showcase craftsmanship through dance. I felt invigorated and proud of traditional Chinese culture," he remarked.

According to Xu, Chinese craftsmanship had a significant global impact over four centuries ago, catalyzing a technological revolution in handicraft industries across Asia and Europe.

"The dance drama transcends language barriers, allowing people of different ages and nationalities, especially the younger generation, to gain insights into China's scientific and technological development," Lu said.

The tour will run through October, visiting cities including Beijing, Nanjing, Wuhan, Nanchang and Chengdu, according to the show's producers.

Xinhua