The long river of Qilu civilization surges with artistic waves of the times. This golden autumn, a cultural feast unfolds. From September 29 to October 25, the 13th Shandong Culture and Arts Festival (Shandong "13th Arts Festival"), part of the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, was held in Jinan, Yantai, Linyi, Binzhou, and Heze.

As Shandong’s highest-level and largest-scale comprehensive cultural event, the festival showcased operas, musicals, dance dramas, and more, creating a symphony of art and culture that reinvigorated the "Great Performances of Shandong" brand.

Melodies and Dazzling Lights

At this year’s festival, six major productions—The Yellow River Beach·The Old Locust Tree, Bamboo Pole Alley, The Promise, Heroines, Forging the Soul, and Flowers of Culai Mountain—all utilized FINE ART lighting systems.

FINE ART’s FINE 1400CF PERF, FINE 1400 WASH PERF, FINE 470 BSW, and FINE 380 BSW fixtures illuminated the stages, meeting all theatrical lighting needs and amplifying the vibrant spirit of Qilu in the new era.

Behind each two-hour performance lay countless days of effort. Success relied on local government support, creative teams’ dedication, and meticulous preparation—from set construction to rehearsals. FINE ART lighting contributed to this journey, using its high brightness, color accuracy, and precision to elevate the artistic charm of each production.

Spotlight on Key Performances

The Yellow River Beach·The Old Locust Tree (October 4–5, Shandong Theatre, Jinan)

Produced by Yuncheng County Shandong Bangzi Troupe, this modern drama depicts the struggles and triumphs of Yellow River communities under Party leadership. With the ancient locust tree as a witness, it celebrates their resilience, kindness, and the pursuit of happiness in the new era.

Bamboo Pole Alley (October 10–11, Jinan Qunxing Theater)

A Shandong Bangzi opera reimagining the Anti-Japanese War through the lens of a merchant woman, He Bingqiu, who sacrifices everything to support the resistance. Blending Bangzi with local folk dances and music, its minimalist set design earned acclaim for poetic storytelling.

The Promise (October 15, Jinan Qunxing Theater)

Based on true poverty-alleviation efforts in Xiaogao Village, this play follows "First Secretary" Yu Limin, who leads villagers to prosperity. It honors China’s targeted poverty-relief strategy and its transformative impact.

Heroines (October 19, Qunxing Theater)

A historical drama by Shandong Culture and Arts School’s Bangzi Experimental Troupe, it tells the story of Yang Jinhua, a Song Dynasty heroine who disguised herself as a man to fight injustice, culminating in a triumphant battle led by She Taijun and twelve widows.

Forging the Soul (October 17, Jinan Liyuan Grand Theater)

This Peking opera, adapted from the deeds of "National Most Beautiful Elder" Wang Zhongxiang, chronicles his mission to honor 154 unnamed martyrs. With powerful lyrics and vocals, it delivers a stirring tribute to patriotism.

Flowers of Culai Mountain (October 21–22, Boxing County Cultural Center)

A modern Shandong Bangzi epic set during the revolutionary era, it blends dance, martial arts, and opera to recount a tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Its innovative storytelling breaks traditional red-themed molds.

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