A scene from the acrobatic drama Xiaohai and the Sea. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

On Sept 14, the new acrobatic drama Xiaohai and the Sea, created by the Rudong County Youth Acrobatic Troupe, debuted at the Nantong Grand Theatre. The production, inspired by the coastal fishermen of Rudong and focusing on marine ecological conservation, tells a story set against the backdrop of the region's close connection with the sea.

The play follows the journey of a young boy, Xiaohai, who sets out to find his father after he goes missing in a storm at sea. Along the way, Xiaohai encounters the effects of human's love and destruction of the ocean, and his experiences shape his understanding of the delicate relationship between people and marine life.

Through a variety of acrobatic techniques—including pole climbing, balancing acts, diabolos, and floating performances—the show portrays Xiaohai's fearless efforts to fight ocean pollution and rescue marine creatures. The drama reaches a heartwarming conclusion as Xiaohai reconciles with sea creatures like the sea butterfly, starfish, and jellyfish, symbolizing hope for marine conservation.

"Performing acrobatics is easy, but telling a heartfelt story through acrobatics is the real challenge," explained Zhou Wangdong, head of the production. To bring the story to life, the troupe collaborated with a national-level team and conducted extensive field research, interviewing fishermen and environmental workers to gather real-life stories and experiences.

Since 2005, the Rudong County Youth Acrobatic Troupe has created six acrobatic dramas, each reflecting a unique aspect of Rudong. The troupe's performances have traveled to more than 40 countries and regions, including Germany, the United States, and Hong Kong, showcasing the artistic diversity of Rudong to audiences worldwide.