On May 23 and 24, the Chinese opera Cradle will debut at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Set against the backdrop of the 1928 revolutionary struggles in Jinggangshan, Jiangxi province, the opera reimagines the heroic efforts of early revolutionaries to defend Jinggangshan, known as "the cradle of Chinese revolution".

The production, a collaboration between the China Conservatory of Music and the Jiangxi Cultural Performing Arts Development Group, blends music and drama to bring this red epic to life.

The title Cradle symbolizes Jinggangshan as the birthplace of the Chinese revolution. The story follows Party representative Zhang Yongqing, weaving together key events such as the suppression of rebellion, the defense of Huangyangjie, and land redistribution to capture the spirit of the era.

The production is directed by Chen Wei, a professor at the China Conservatory of Music's vocal and opera department, and features compositions by professor Hu Tingjiang, the deputy director of the conservatory's arts practice center. Under the baton of Jin Ye, the opera will feature a cast including Han Peng and Wang Chong as Zhang Yongqing.