Li Shan, director of the play The Spring and Autumn of Drama for the 2024 Guilin Festival. [Photo by He Pingjiang/for guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/guilin]

"Performing at the Guangxi Provincial Art Museum is more energizing than anywhere else," said Li Shan, director of the play The Spring and Autumn of Drama, made for the 2024 Guilin Festival. In honoring the 80th anniversary of the Southwest Drama Exhibition, she and her team have poured their love and admiration for past theatrical pioneers into each rehearsal.

The Spring and Autumn of Drama was not only the closing play of the original festival but also a pivotal work that reflects the struggles of theater practitioners during wartime. This year, Li's team has introduced new arrangements, including a new song titled Bridge, symbolizing the generational connection among theater artists. Participating for the second time, Li feels each festival is a beautiful reunion with the past.