The Nanxiang Youth Drama Society presented a new version of a drama based on the history of Nanxiang Xiaolongbao at the Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre in the Jiading district of Shanghai on Oct 11.
 |
|
Performers in the drama at the Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre in the Jiading district of Shanghai, on Oct 11 [Photo/jiading.gov.cn] |
The drama told the story of the origin and development of Xiaolongbao (a local steamed stuffed bun) in three time periods: the reign of Emperor Tongzhi in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the period of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945), and the period after China's reform and opening up. It displayed the persistence of Nanxiang natives in preserving traditional Chinese techniques through figures such as Huang Mingxian, the originator of Nanxiang Xiaolongbao.
According to Wang Binbing, its director, the drama differed from the original one in structure, plot and actors, making the current version more attractive.
The drama attracted an audience of over 2,200, many of whom said that they now have a better understanding of the history of Xiaolongbao and feel proud of this cultural heritage. Nanxiang Xiaolongbao was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2014.