

Don Rechtman IT may have been my second visit to Pingshan District, but it definitely won’t be my last. I attended the 2024 Shenzhen Pingshan Drama Carnival in August, an event that unveiled the Changshou Dramaville in the centuries-old Changshou Village in the district. Spanning a planned area of five hectares, the dramaville is nestled in lush surroundings to the northeast of Maluan Mountain, with the Chi’ao Reservoir to the east. Strolling along the old streets en route to the dramaville, I witnessed firsthand how the district seamlessly blends the old with the new. This sentiment was further reinforced upon seeing the meticulously preserved village upgraded to host museums, classrooms, coffee shops and restaurants, centered around the theme of performance arts. The design underscores the carbon-neutral vision of its creators, which is subtle and requires attentive observation to fully grasp. I was invited to share my music, a composition from a comic opera I’m currently working on. Clad in casual attire, a prince sings “One of My Dreams,” expressing the hope of finding true love one day. After I performed it, I was touched by the enthusiastic response of the audience that had gathered to listen. Performing within the environmentally conscious dramaville theater space, I found myself inspired by the experience. It was as if I, the audience, and the landscape were together within a continuous conversation. While Beijing may hold the title of China’s cultural hub, Shenzhen is swiftly emerging as a cultural trailblazer. With its burgeoning theaters, cultural initiatives, and forward-thinking development, it’s Pingshan District that is at the forefront. I encourage everyone to visit Changshou Dramaville, as it is there that you can fully grasp the essence of Shakespeare’s observation that “All the world’s a stage!” (Don Rechtman is a U.S. composer and freelance writer residing in Shenzhen.) |