Kiln site takes center stage in romantic drama

The production employs a "play within a play" structure, blending Wu'an Laozi Opera into modern drama. As playwright Huang Weiruo explains, "Cizhou ceramics and Wu'an Laozi are Hebei's cultural treasures, both rich in folk vitality. Using Wu'an Laozi's songs and dances to express emotion is a way for drama to take a truly national path."

Visually, the stage mirrors the rustic elegance of Cizhou wares. Iconic kilns form the centerpiece, enhanced by rotating platforms and slanted staging, while traditional Cizhou color palettes — black on white, red and green — merge with local folk songs to re-create the atmosphere of ancient kiln towns.