Get ready to dive into Jino heritage! On Sunday in Beijing, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun premiered her latest musical theatre piece, 'The Ocean Etched in the Forest'. 🌳🌊 This groundbreaking production shines a spotlight on the ancient traditions of the Jino ethnic group from Yunnan Province on the Chinese mainland.
In an era of rapid modernization, many minority cultures face the challenge of preserving their roots. Du Yun spent months in Yunnan, living alongside Jino cultural inheritors and researching their rituals. She zeroed in on the community’s iconic big drum dance and traditional melodies, weaving them into a modern orchestral tapestry that pulses with energy. 🥁✨
From the thunderous beats of the big drums to the soul-stirring folk tunes, The Ocean Etched in the Forest captures the heart of Jino storytelling. Imagine the same vibe that makes Southeast Asian gamelan or South Asian folk beats so captivating—but reimagined through a contemporary concert hall lens.
And here’s the exciting twist: this production isn’t stopping in Beijing. Du Yun is gearing up to stage The Ocean Etched in the Forest in the US, bringing Jino culture to an international stage. 🌏🎭
For young artists and culture enthusiasts across South and Southeast Asia, this is a reminder of the power of creative exchange. Whether you’re into indie music fests in Jakarta or folk dance collectives in Chennai, Du Yun’s fusion of past and present shows how tradition can evolve—and inspire a new generation.
Stay tuned for updates on tour dates and venues. If you’re craving cultural immersion and next-level drum solos, this is one show you don’t want to miss! 👏🔥
Reference(s):
Pulitzer Prize-winning Chinese composer to stage new production in US
cgtn.com
