This Sunday in Beijing, Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Du Yun premiered her groundbreaking musical theatre work The Ocean Etched in the Forest, shining a spotlight on the ancient cultural traditions of the Jino ethnic group from Yunnan Province in the Chinese mainland. The piece is slated for its US debut later this year.
Du Yun immersed herself in Jino culture through months of on-the-ground research and deep exchanges with local cultural inheritors. She wove together traditional music, rituals and the communitys iconic big drum dance, building a modern theatrical experience around these age-old rhythms.
Amid rapid modernization and the challenges minority cultures face in preserving heritage, Du Yun strikes a thoughtful balance between authenticity and innovation. By placing Jino beats at the heart of her composition, she invites audiences to connect with living traditions in a fresh, contemporary format.
For globally minded youth, entrepreneurs and cultural changemakers, The Ocean Etched in the Forest offers an inspiring model of sustainable storytelling. It demonstrates how immersive art can foster cross-cultural dialogue, resonating with travellers, digital nomads and advocates for heritage preservation.
As Du Yun prepares to bring this vibrant tapestry of song and dance to the US stage, audiences can look forward to an immersive journey that bridges heritage and innovation—celebrating voices from the forest reimagined for a global audience.
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Pulitzer Prize-winning Chinese composer to stage new production in US
cgtn.com
