On October 10th, a significant original play titled “Aspiration of the Skies” made its debut at Tsinghua University’s New Tsinghua Auditorium. The production was guided by the China Aviation Industry Corporation and jointly created by its Automatic Control Institute and the Xi’an Drama Theater, aimed at promoting the spirit of patriotism in modern aviation.
The play is inspired by the life of Zan Ling, a pioneering figure in China’s aviation science and technology field, who founded the country’s airborne research efforts and served as the first deputy director and chief designer of the Automatic Control Institute. It artistically chronicles the dedication and sacrifices made by aviation entrepreneurs like Zan, showcasing their commitment to serving the nation and following the directives of the Party. The narrative spans over seventy years, highlighting the loyalty, self-reliance, and relentless pursuit of excellence by generations of aviation professionals under the Party’s leadership, illustrating the remarkable transformation of China’s aviation industry from its inception to becoming a powerhouse.
The production selects pivotal moments from Zan Ling’s life, employing various modern theatrical techniques to evoke the fiery spirit of an era ripe for development. It engages the audience by transporting them back to a time of unprecedented opportunity, allowing them to breathe the same air as the pioneers who faced challenges head-on, exploring uncharted territories while steadfastly holding onto their ideals, and etching their loyalty and dreams against the vast skies of the motherland.
Director Lin Bo expressed his hopes for the play, stating, “We aim to resonate with the audience’s memories of that era and inspire a renewed passion for the sciences. We also aspire for ‘Aspiration of the Skies’ to emerge as a work of both artistic and social significance, providing the audience with not only beauty in art but also a profound emotional experience.”
Additionally, a new book titled “Zan Ling: The Founder of China’s Aviation Science and Technology” was launched in conjunction with the premiere.
