AMONG Pingshan’s 20 investment projects unveiled at the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, the Jiangling Changshou Theater Valley at the foot of the picturesque Maluan Mountain is gaining wide attention. The project, with its initial construction phase slated for completion in July, is overseen by Longma Studio, a prominent Chinese theater group known for its original productions. “We are creating a theater commune in Pingshan, akin to planting a theatrical seed,” said esteemed actor Zhang Guoli, who is also a director in the studio. Set amid verdant forests and pristine rivers, the theater commune is nestled in Changshou Village, where there are Hakka round houses dating back to the Kangxi era (1662-1722) of the Qing Dynasty. The establishment of the theater commune will not only breathe life into Pingshan’s theatrical culture but also revitalize the serene 300-year-old Hakka village. Upon completion, the commune will feature a theater accommodating 300 audience members, a rehearsal center, a library, homestays, restaurants and theater-themed facilities. The project designer, Hou Danqing, emphasized the preservation of the traditional Hakka architectural style, blending the art of theater seamlessly with the village’s historical ambiance. “In the future, Pingshan will witness the debut of more original plays, with Zhang Guoli’s team exchanging ideas with audience members,” added Hou. Shenzhen Pingshan Longma Studio Chairwoman Yao Yi expressed plans for transforming the area into a global hub for theatrical cultural exchange, foreseeing the Maluan Mountain theater town, as well as a distinctive theater ecology, after the theater valley is put into use. The People’s Government of Pingshan District inked a collaboration agreement with Longma Studio in June 2023 for the creation and production of stage dramas. The studio’s Chinese-language play, “The Shawshank Redemption,” featuring a cast of Chinese-speaking expatriates, premiered at Pingshan Theater in January. Earlier this month, “Break Gold,” another Longma Studio production, garnered acclaim during its staging in Hong Kong. With key players like Z&F Cultural Construction, Poly Theater Management, Longma Studio, and Pingshan Theater, Pingshan is charting a robust growth trajectory in the theater sector. (Cao Zhen) | 