Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre brings Lingnan heritage to Singapore

The production, which integrates Southern-style martial arts with traditional lion dance, serves as the centerpiece of the Guangzhou Culture Week. Following the Singapore debut, the theater company plans to stage 'Odes to Heroes,' a second production that incorporates Teochew rap and explores the historical migration of people to Nanyang. Chief choreographer Qian Xin noted that these works aim to preserve the cultural core of intangible heritage while adapting to international theatrical standards.

Lead performers Liang Qiqi and Iliwan Umar highlighted the emotional complexity of their roles, which require balancing traditional martial arts precision with contemporary narrative depth. For local audiences in Singapore, the performance resonates as a reflection of ancestral memories and the perseverance of forebears who navigated life across the seas. Following the Singapore residency, the tour will continue to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, serving as a platform for ongoing cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors.