Shaanxi drama makes overseas debut in Russia

The Shaanxi drama Protagonist made its overseas debut from Oct 3 to 4 at the 36th Dom Baltiki International Theater Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, earning high praise from Russian audiences.

The show has fostered bilateral friendship and promoted the cultural interaction between the two sides, with 2026 marking the 30th anniversary of the China‑Russia strategic cooperative partnership.

Adapted from a Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel, Protagonist chronicles the half‑century life and artistic pursuit of Yi Qin'e, a celebrated Qinqiang opera performer. Honored with 16 national and provincial awards, the drama has reached more than 8 million viewers online and offline.

The production crew began revisions in June to suit overseas stage conditions. Russian-language specialists from Xi'an International Studies University refined the script, tackling challenges posed by local dialect and opera‑specific terms. The plot was streamlined to sharpen dramatic conflicts, while more Qinqiang highlights were added to present Chinese opera aesthetics to overseas audiences.

Luo Zhanhui, Chinese Consul General in St. Petersburg, congratulated the team on the successful run. He said the drama presents a genuine image of China and adds a brilliant chapter to China‑Russia cultural exchanges.

Sui Jun, general manager of Shaanxi Performing Arts Group and the drama's producer, said the group will strengthen ties with Russian theater institutions for joint performances and talent development, and help more Shaanxi cultural works go global to raise the international profile of Chinese culture.