From February 5th to 8th, 2026, the stage production "Jiangnan: Twelve Gatherings" premiered at the Suzhou Bay Grand Theatre. The play intertwined the destinies of women from the Republican era, Dasheng and Rongjing, with the spiritual worlds of 13 renowned Jiangnan scholars, including Fan Li and Su Shi, attracting nearly 7,000 viewers to an immersive experience. On stage, historical figures shed their solemn facades, engaging contemporary audiences with relatable and accessible portrayals. Offstage, the production integrated variety show elements and cultural tourism, leveraging drama to enhance local culture.
Recently, five departments, including the Central Propaganda Department and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, jointly issued the "Three-Year Action Plan for Drama Revitalization (2026-2028)", outlining overall objectives such as enhancing creative innovation in drama, significantly improving production quality, and fostering a better industry ecosystem. The unique creative vision and operational model of "Jiangnan: Twelve Gatherings" serve as a vivid example of this initiative.
The production breaks from traditional frameworks by employing a non-linear "temporal folding" structure. It extensively utilizes techniques that break the fourth wall, with actors moving into audience spaces and inviting some spectators onto the stage to become part of the narrative. This approach resonates with the value systems of younger audiences. "This stage play captures the characteristics of young viewers by blending drama, dance, and musical theatre into one performance, offering a contemporary and fashionable feel," said Xu Jilin, a Zijiang Scholar and professor at East China Normal University. He noted that post-90s and post-00s audiences particularly seek emotional value and a kind of "dopamine-ism" in theatrical experiences.
Innovation extends beyond the stage. "Jiangnan: Twelve Gatherings" adopts a tripartite operational model combining "seasonal variety shows + stage productions + cultural tourism consumption". In the同名综艺节目, young contestants explored ancient towns along the Wu River's cultural heritage and learned silk reeling techniques, with standout participants transforming into historical characters in the stage play, creating a complete cycle from selection and training to performance.
Two new books, "All for the Audience" and "Gathering in Wujiang", further enrich the IP ecosystem of this "gathering". The former reveals behind-the-scenes stories of the creation, while the latter features historical figures as "cultural tourism ambassadors"; carrying this pocket book allows readers to experience 12 theme settings characteristic of Jiangnan.
Following the final curtain, the "Gathering in Wujiang" branding partnership initiative was immediately launched. This plan will collaborate with local businesses and social media influencers, aiming to establish "Gathering in Wujiang" and its slogan as a warm, topical, and highly-regarded phenomenon within the Yangtze River Delta cultural tourism circuit.
The enhanced innovation, cultivation of young audiences, and improved industry ecology advocated by the "Three-Year Action Plan for Drama Revitalization (2026-2028)" are fully manifested in this "gathering". As silk appears to "grow wings" on stage, and history journeys alongside the present, the path to "drama revitalization" quietly extends forward.