Beneath the Stars, A Land of Dreams

2023-10-20

"Starry·Earth: Portraits of Remarkable Figures at Zhejiang University" is a thought-provoking stage production at Zhejiang University, blending dance, drama, music, and various art forms. Through this captivating performance, the legacy and evolution of the university's motto are vividly portrayed, bringing to life the stories of outstanding individuals and nurturing a deep sense of patriotism among students and faculty. The entire production is a creation and presentation of the Zhejiang University Center for Arts Education, drawing from the university's rich history of over 120 years. It inspires the new generation of Zhejiang scholars to venture towards grassroots service and national contribution.

On the auspicious occasion of Zhejiang University's 126th Anniversary, the critically acclaimed ideological stage play, Starry · Earth, returned to the limelight after a hiatus of 9 months. Throughout the entire month of May, we were inseparable from the rehearsal hall and the script. After evening classes and sports theory exams, and even during all the free moments on weekends, we wholeheartedly devoted ourselves to the rehearsals. Almost every night, we welcomed a new day by rehearsing with our fellow students, and by the time we returned to the dormitory, our eyes were on the verge of closing due to fatigue. However, the allure of the stage and the performance seemed to possess a magical power, or perhaps it was the compelling history of Zhejiang University that moved us, amazed us, and touched our hearts during rehearsals.

In the play, I portrayed one of the characters, a young woman named Chen Wei. In 1984, at the age of 18, Chen Wei entered the Department of Chemical Engineering at Zhejiang University and began conducting scientific research in the laboratory under the guidance of her professors. She embodied the spirit of seeking truth and innovation. To combat the Ebola outbreak in Africa, she led a team to conduct clinical trials there. During rehearsals, there were many moments when I, standing in the wings, couldn't help but shed tears as I watched the scenes and episodes being performed on the stage. This will undoubtedly be a precious memory in my life, a time of growth shared with friends, and a journey through time and space with extraordinary individuals.