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May 20, 2019

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Heroes of the sky: the story of Chinese aviation

By Cheryl Heng | 00:05 UTC+8 May 20, 2019 | Print Edition

With the backstory of China’s first domestically manufactured aircraft as a springboard, “The Heart of Heroes” unearths the passion and struggles of ordinary people striving to achieve an extraordinary feat.

Performed at Shanghai Majestic Theater on May 23 and 24, the stage drama is amongst other stage works to be selected for the Wenhua and Qunxing awards by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Building an airplane is not easy. Spanning three generations, the play introduces the audience to the Chinese aviation industry, specifically China’s first commercial airplane, COMAC C919.

“Airplanes and how to build them may be too technical for the general public, but it has much to do with national pride too,” said producer Tian Shui.

“The financial prowess of a nation is often demonstrated through technological inventions such as airplanes. Chinese citizens may have doubts about taking flights on domestically manufactured airplanes, but I believe our play is able to boost the public’s confidence in our domestic planes.”

The first C919 took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport in 2017, fulfilling the nation’s dream of building its own aircraft.

“As a professional in the aviation industry, I must say that the play stuck true to aerospace technicalities and jargon,” said Cai Jun, captain of the maiden flight for the first C919. “The team behind ‘The Heart of Heroes’ must have put in great effort to accurately depict its scenes, immersing the audience into its world.”

Despite the mechanical and technical nature of the aviation industry, the play has managed to keep the story relatable to the general public. It explores deep connections to vulnerability and wit, touching on all facets of the human condition.

Various technological features are also present in this play, influencing theater and sound design. By blending innovative multimedia video with live performances, it hooks the audience and transports them into the heart of an aviation cockpit.

Electronic music is used in the soundtracks to represent the play’s scientific and technological elements. Symphonic music weaved into the dramatic storyline brings out the characters’ emotional journey.

Date: May 23-24, 7:30pm

Venue: Shanghai Majestic Theater

Address: 66 Jiangning Rd

Events and TV


 

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