“When I walked into the endangered species exhibit at the National Zoological Museum of China, I was struck by the sight of a Baiji dolphin and a Yangtze finless porpoise together in a glass case. I couldn’t help but wonder: Who were they? Why did their lives end?” The show’s scriptwriter and director, Ma Yanwei, shared his reflections on the creative process. He hopes that this performance will give the spirits of the Yangtze River a chance to reborn and tell their own stories.

From October 19 to November 3, Fairytale show River Spirits in a Museum was performed nine times at China National Theatre for Children, featuring the Baiji dolphin and Yangtze finless porpoise as its main characters.

The Baiji Dolphin and the Yangtze Finless Porpoise are two unique mammals in China’s Yangtze River. The Baiji, known as the “Goddess of the Yangtze”, has been declared “functionally extinct”. The Yangtze Finless Porpoise, often called the “Smiling Angel”, is also facing a serious risk of disappearing.

The story begins with a special encounter between these two creatures in a magical, dream-like world. Through a mix of beautiful storytelling and a touch of imagination, the play shows their moments of joy and unforgettable experiences. It gently reminds us to respect all life and cherish nature before it’s too late.

China National Theatre for Children has previously created works like The Adventure of Firefly Sister and Brother and Tr-e-e, which go beyond simple environmental themes, reflecting a deeper exploration of life’s meaning. These stories help children see the world, learn to love, and feel empathy. This new work continues that tradition as well.

As the audience steps inside, they can see a large glass display case on stage designed by Shen Ao, immediately gives the feel of a museum. As the story develops, puppets of the Baiji, the Yangtze finless porpoise, and other river creatures appear, sharing their tales through poetry. The lighting, like sunlight dancing through water, brings the characters to life.

Through this fairytale performance, the play hopes to show children the preciousness and fragility of life and invites everyone to rethink our connection with nature. in a time of climate change and ecological crises, finding harmony with the creatures around us is not just a question for today but a responsibility for the future. It’s not only about protecting the environment, but also securing a sustainable development of future generations.

Edited by Tingyu Wang