Curtains officially raised on the 2021 Shenzhen Youth Drama Month Dec. 14 with the staging of the Shenzhen-set romance drama “Nobody is Waiting,” at the Shenzhen Theatre in Luohu district.

This event is part of the Shenzhen Drama Carnival, a national demonstration program of public cultural service system.

The 2021 Shenzhen Youth Drama Month is a collaborative effort involving eight offices, including the Luohu culture, radio, television, tourism and sports bureau, the Dongmen sub-district office of Luohu, the Shenzhen Theatre Association and the Luohu Theatre Association.

The organizers received a total of 122 applications from performers hoping to participate in the activity since invitations opened this past April. However, due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, most of the more than 40 dramas that were selected will be shown online from Dec. 18, effectively widening the reach and audiences.

As 2021 marks the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the organizers chose some plays based on the history of the CPC to highlight the Party’s struggle in leading the Chinese people to realize national independence.

Likewise, some dramas recounted the touching stories during socialist reconstruction, demonstrating the significant sacrifices early builders of the country made and their unprecedented patriotism.

The activity also included performance of traditional Chinese operas, which can encourage younger generations to inherit and pass on their cultural heritage and strengthen their confidence in Chinese culture.

Some shows also portrayed recent poverty alleviation efforts made by the Chinese government throughout the country.

Notably, the organizers have invited several renowned artists to remark on the plays.

Despite the COVID-19, this year’s drama month activity has attracted considerable attention from young people nationwide. The great achievements made in socialism with Chinese characteristics have inspired the younger generation to use plays as a means for expression, said an organizer.

In organizing the activity, Shenzhen has established a platform for young people to showcase their theatrical creativity. The organizers hope that the young participants can not only improve their performing prowess but can also help the young audiences enrich their cultural life through this event.