Original opera Langya Partners debuts with youthful energy

Cast members bring the story to life in this vibrant stage shot from the original folk opera Langya Partners. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]

On the evening of Jan 22, the original folk opera Langya Partners premiered at the Qingdao Movie Metropolis Grand Theatre. Jointly produced by the Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA) and the Qingdao Song & Dance Theater, the production reimagines traditional narrative forms through a vibrant, contemporary lens, breathing new life into the folk opera genre.

Set in Langya town, the story is deeply rooted in local culture, integrating real-world industrial scenes such as Langya Chicken breeding and the homestay economy. The clever use of the Qingdao dialect makes the dialogue authentic and relatable, grounding the grand theme of rural vitalization in everyday life.

The plot follows four distinct young protagonists who navigate the challenges of modernizing agriculture and promoting cultural tourism. Through their journey of failure, growth, and eventual collaboration, they draw on scientific innovation and a strong sense of persistence to save the endangered Langya Chicken and empower their community. By incorporating modern elements like artistic homestay renovations and livestream e-commerce, the production directly mirrors the experiences of today's youth.

Langya Partners transcends simple storytelling to showcase the shift from poverty alleviation to comprehensive rural prosperity. By blending high art with grassroots industry, the opera serves as a powerful testament to the passion and creativity driving the next generation of rural pioneers.