On October 17, a brand new theatrical production titled “Under the Bridge, Moonlight Through the Holes” made its debut at the Xigong Theatre in Guangzhou. This play tells the story of a great writer reflecting on the depths of his soul, and it explores the theme of urbanization while expressing the idea that “beauty is unbeatable.”

The play is adapted from the novel collection “Paper Stage” by young author Li Xiaoluo and is directed by Wu Wei, with lyrics and music by Zhang Guangtian. One distinctive feature of the production is its concise text paired with original and appealing songs. “Under the Bridge” will run for a total of 13 performances from October 17 to 31.

As the live band filled the theater with rhythmic music, creating a visceral atmosphere filled with the roar of engines and the scent of gasoline, the audience was enveloped in an unexpected and bizarre ambiance. The red curtain rose to reveal a writer and his female secretary engaged in dictation. Suddenly, a character named “Jeff” seems to spring to life from a nearby haystack, followed by the emergence of the writer’s creations: a “burly man” and a “high-rise oddball,” with the former clamoring to head to the city while the latter two hastily seek the writer’s attention.

Throughout the performance, the audience oscillated between laughter and concern. When an excerpt from Lu Xun’s “A Madman’s Diary” was presented in song, the atmosphere shifted to one of solemnity, with some moved to tears, others incensed, and many bowing their heads in contemplation.

The entire performance lasts 90 minutes and features not only works by Lu Xun but also classics from Hugo, Shelley, and Li Bai. Notably, the production incorporates unconventional instruments such as armor, swords, and motorcycles, opening up new visual and auditory realms for the audience. The narrative weaves together contemporary storytelling with elements of cosplay and performance art.