With the opening date of the 15th National Games approaching, the preparations for the opening ceremony have entered the final sprint stage. In an exclusive interview with Wen Wei Po, the core creative team revealed that the ceremony will deeply explore cultural elements scattered across the Lingnan region, systematically organizing and creatively transforming them through the skillful integration of modern technology and artistic techniques. From Cantonese opera and songs to Guangdong embroidery, numerous Lingnan elements will be revitalized and presented, offering the audience an audio-visual feast that combines regional characteristics with the spirit of the times.
When appointed as the executive directors of the opening ceremony, Meng Ke and Gao Yan admitted they were "filled with anticipation." Both have participated in the creative work for two previous National Games opening ceremonies—Meng served as the chief director and Gao as the deputy director for the 13th National Games—and they hold a deep and special connection to the event.
This marks their first involvement in a National Games opening ceremony held in southern China, particularly one jointly hosted across the boundary by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, which has further sparked their creative interest.
Old songs evoke shared memories
"Guangdong is at the forefront of reform and opening-up, while Hong Kong and Macao are highly internationalized, where Eastern and Western cultures converge. We felt this opening ceremony would radiate a fashionable, youthful, and uplifting vibe, yet also carry profound historical depth, making the expression particularly engaging," Meng said.
Gao noted that the culture of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) evoked emotional memories from their youth, creating a deep resonance in the creative process and final presentation of the ceremony.
"The cultural system of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region differs somewhat from that of the northern areas, but elements like the Cantonese language and songs carry shared memories and emotional experiences for people across the nation. For instance, during this opening ceremony, when some familiar Cantonese songs play, we believe they will surely evoke the memories stored in everyone's hearts, eventually surging forth and forming strong emotional resonance," Gao said.
Diverse coexistence of Cantonese, Hakka, and other cultures
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region is home to Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka, and Hong Kong-Macao cultures, all coexisting and blending diversely, providing rich material for the creative team's ideas.
"We need to unearth the cultural treasures left by our ancestors. While they may seem ordinary to the people of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region, it is precisely this 'familiarity' that makes rediscovering their external and intrinsic beauty more likely to resonate with everyone," Meng said.
Gao revealed that the opening ceremony would extensively unearth Lingnan cultural elements scattered among the people, reinterpreting them through modern audio-visual language. For example, the team has meticulously incorporated traditional crafts like Guangdong embroidery and Guangzhou enamel, as well as culturally symbolic regional elements such as the Chinese white dolphin, into the art design, prop production, and performance choreography.
"These beautiful elements are usually scattered in public life. We are digging them out bit by bit and transforming them into artistic forms on stage," said Gao.
Meanwhile, the dynamic presentation of traditional culture will also focus on integrating modern technology and artistic forms. For instance, the Chinese white dolphin, an ancient species, will appear in a unique form during the opening ceremony, symbolizing the ecological and cultural heritage of the GBA. Additionally, a symphony orchestra will perform live at the opening ceremony for the first time in the history of the National Games, replacing pre-recorded music. This will allow the audience to hear the music as if it were playing right beside them, enhancing the immersive experience.
"Water" as the soul element throughout
As a native of Guangzhou, Huang Peiling, deputy director of the opening ceremony, grew up immersed in Lingnan culture and was extensively exposed to Hong Kong's television and film arts.
"Water" will be the soul element that runs throughout the ceremony. According to Huang, landmarks like Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour and Guangzhou's Pearl River are distinct regional symbols, and the team thus has integrated water elements into the music, performances, and other key segments. Even weather challenges during preparations could echo the water theme, becoming a unique highlight.
Ignition ceremony highlights technology and sustainable development
The opening ceremony also emphasizes the integration of technology and culture. The very first sound and scene of the ceremony, as well as the final ignition session, will employ advanced technological means, fully manifest the sense of technology and sustainable development. However, Huang emphasized that technology never overshadows the main theme. During the cultural and sports performances, music and props will be used to showcase traditional Lingnan culture, ensuring the ceremony balances technological innovation with humanistic warmth.
Huang firmly believes that this opening ceremony, blending the charm of water, the beauty of technology, and the warmth of humanity, will leave the audience longing for more and allow the world to see the unique charm of the GBA.
As the opening ceremony date draws nearer, the movements, formations, and performance effects of the cast have already met the director team's expectations. Huang stated that, in addition to refining details through large-scale rehearsals, the creative team will also help all cast members adjust physically and mentally, conserving their energy to welcome the arrival of the opening ceremony on Nov. 9 in their best condition.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Ao Minhui; English Editor: Darius)
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