Core Insights - The musical "Jinyiwei: Blade and Flower" has become a phenomenon in the performance market, achieving 109 sold-out shows nationwide, with its 100th performance scheduled at the West Bank Grand Theatre starting December 23 [1][3] - A significant discussion event featuring director Liu Xiaoyi, actors Zhang Zhihan and Xu Zehui, and historian Huang Amin will take place on December 31, focusing on the themes of the musical and its emotional resonance across time [1][6] Summary by Sections Performance Highlights - The musical is set against the backdrop of the "Ming Ping Han Wang Gao Kuang Rebellion," creating a tension-filled and poetic world [3] - The story follows a grassroots character, Feng Wuyang, who inadvertently becomes involved with the Jinyiwei and faces a fate intertwined with a conspiracy involving the Han Wang and Mei Shuanghua [3] - The production features a "dual male lead" format and incorporates a "group + national style" creative approach, breaking the traditional "standing and singing" format of domestic musicals [3] Artistic Elements - The musical combines martial arts, folk dance, classical dance, and modern dance, enhancing emotional expression through dynamic physicality [3] - The stage design employs "new Chinese aesthetics," integrating traditional mortise and tenon structures, ink wash projections, and modern lighting technology [3] - The themes of "blade" representing responsibility and "flower" symbolizing the original intention are explored, addressing the timeless question of how to maintain one's core values in chaotic times [3] Discussion Event Insights - Liu Xiaoyi will discuss the balance between historical accuracy and creative expression, particularly how the design of "blade and flower" conveys the protagonist's internal conflicts [5] - Huang Amin will challenge the singular perception of the Jinyiwei, exploring the intertwining of national duty and personal emotion in historical narratives [5] - Zhang Zhihan will share insights from the perspective of Feng Wuyang, illustrating the growth of a grassroots hero through performance nuances [5] - Xu Zehui will delve into the character of Han Wang, portraying the internal struggles of a powerful figure consumed by ambition [5]

Core Insights - The musical "Jinyiwei: Knife and Flower" has become a phenomenon in the performance market since its premiere in Shanghai at the end of 2024, with a nationwide tour following its success [1] - The show will return to Shanghai for its 100th performance at the West Bund Grand Theatre from December 23 to January 4 [1] Summary by Sections Performance and Reception - The musical is based on the historical backdrop of the "Ming Ping Han Wang Gao Xu's Rebellion" and features a "dual male lead" format [4] - The character Feng Wuyang, a grassroots youth, inadvertently becomes a Jinyiwei and overhears a conspiracy involving the eunuch Mei Shuanghua and a prince, leading him into a power struggle [5] - The musical is part of the "New National Style" series and retains the "ensemble + national style" characteristics, with catchy and engaging melodies that break traditional singing formats [5] Audience Engagement and Cultural Impact - The show has gained significant popularity on social media, with a viral dance referred to as the "Jinyiwei Fitness Dance," and one video receiving 382,000 likes [5] - Audience members have shared extensive reviews and character analyses, indicating a deep engagement with the content [5] Economic and Tourism Influence - The success of "Jinyiwei: Knife and Flower" has positively impacted cultural tourism in various cities, with the national tour starting in May and attracting fans who share travel maps on social media [7] - In Nanjing, fans have created detailed travel guides, visiting historical sites related to the storyline, while in Wenling, over 60% of the audience were from outside the city, leading to a 30% increase in hotel occupancy and a 65% rise in restaurant earnings [7] - The tour has even attracted international audiences, with visitors from Malaysia, and local theaters are leveraging tourism resources by offering various promotions [7] Future Developments - Following "Jinyiwei: Knife and Flower," the sixth installment of the "New National Style" series, titled "Lanling Wang," is in preparation, featuring the original creative team and promising a more experimental artistic approach [10]