The Guangyuan original dance drama, Story of Zhuge Liang, who is celebrated as a symbol of wisdom and loyalty in Chinese culture, premiered to widespread acclaim at the Sichuan Grand Theatre on Oct 31.

Through a compelling physical narrative that transcends time and space, the performance offered a visually captivating and emotionally moving experience.

This 70-minute drama centers around Zhuge Liang's enduring vow: "I give my all till my heart ceases to beat." It follows his legendary journey, starting with Liu Bei's repeated visits and ending with his last moments at Wuzhangyuan.

The production not only showcases Zhuge's personal dedication but also vividly captures the turbulent era of the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD), emphasizing the deep link between personal ambition and national fate.

The actors, dressed in plain white costumes, portray the image of Zhuge. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

After the performance, Zhao Mingsha, a first-time dance drama attendee, and her friend Xie Qi shared how unexpectedly captivating they found the wordless show, mentioning it exceeded all their expectations.

Chief choreographer Wu Sha emphasized that the creative team and cast consist mainly of young artists. By blending Han Dynasty cultural elements with modern technology, the stage design achieves a minimalist look without sacrificing traditional depth, creating a vision that is both contemporary and has international appeal.

The layered stage design, blending realism and abstraction, creates a mysterious and solemn narrative atmosphere. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]