On the evening of October 25th, “Uncle Wang,” or Wang Yaoqing, took the stage alongside conductor Zhang Jiemin and the Xiamen Song and Dance Theatre Symphony Orchestra to present the closing performance of the 2024 Cross-Strait (Xiamen) Arts Festival — the symphonic drama “Romeo and Juliet.” This production beautifully brought to life the timeless romance penned by Shakespeare.
Earlier that day, a meet-and-greet event featuring the creators of “Romeo and Juliet” and the festival’s closing ceremony was held at the Minnan Grand Theatre’s small theater. Wang Yaoqing, Zhang Jiemin, and renowned music critic Jiao Yuanpu engaged in a deep dialogue with local art enthusiasts, sharing stories from behind the scenes of their creative process.
The symphonic drama “Romeo and Juliet” is centered around the ballet score composed by the Russian maestro Prokofiev. Notably, Jiao Yuanpu adapted the script by weaving Shakespeare’s original text into lyrical form, allowing Wang Yaoqing’s captivating performances to illuminate the “flower of love” from four centuries ago on the stage of Gulangyu Island.
In this one-act play, Wang Yaoqing transformed into a “storyteller,” skillfully portraying fifteen characters, vividly bringing to life the complex array of personalities depicted by Shakespeare.
Wang shared his insights about the production: “This is not just a simple love story. We hope that through this performance, the audience can experience the music more profoundly, giving it a sense of visual imagery tied to the narrative. Furthermore, we aim to encourage a fresh examination of the story of Romeo and Juliet, exploring the depths and nuances behind this tragic romance.”
During the 30-day festival, the Minnan Grand Theatre presented an impressive lineup that included twelve high-quality productions, such as U-Theatre’s “Ink Five Colors 2.0,” the Zhu Zongqing Percussion Ensemble’s concert “Kinetic Energy ∞,” and the vocal concert by the mysterious Taiwanese ensemble “Voices Never Fade.” The return of renowned Taiwanese artists and ensembles to Xiamen after years apart was met with great enthusiasm from local art lovers.
Moreover, the theater organized nearly 20 art-sharing sessions and charity events, including cultural marketplaces and meet-and-greets with the stars of the shows, attracting over 1.6 million participants both online and offline, alongside extensive coverage from major national media outlets.
A highlight of the festival was the “Window of Waves” Youth Exhibition, which received widespread acclaim. This initiative serves as a platform for young Taiwanese artists to pursue their dreams in Xiamen, showcasing around 30 works, including acrylic paintings, photographs, and wooden sculptures. The exhibition was open to the public for free during the festival and centered on cultural exchange between the two regions, presenting the unique customs and historical narratives of both areas.
Chen Junyi, a young sculptor from Taiwan and an exhibitor, shared his perspective: “The cultural exchange between the two sides has significantly impacted me. Through this exhibition, I want to express the thoughts of my generation, viewing traditional culture and artifacts from our group’s perspective.”
The Minnan Grand Theatre also relaunched its “Light·Theatre” youth arts support program, providing emerging talent with a platform to showcase their skills. This initiative has attracted a number of students and young art enthusiasts from Xiamen, fostering exploration of the future of cross-strait cultural and artistic integration alongside established artists.
