In Taiyuan, Shanxi province, a theatrical production titled *The Long Song of Iron* brought to life the stories of rail workers who played a pivotal role in developing the region’s railway system. Staged at the Jin Opera Art Research Institute, the play commemorated both the century-long history of the Communist Party of China and the contributions of local railway pioneers.

Central to the drama is the portrayal of Gao Junyu, a revolutionary figure and pioneer of the Party, brought to the stage by Bai Zhining, a 26-year-old employee of the Taiyuan Railway Vehicle Depot of China Railway Taiyuan Group. Gao, who was native to Taiyuan and instrumental in establishing the first Shanxi Party organization in 1924, is depicted as a passionate revolutionary deeply connected to the region’s political and social transformations. Bai described the role as a profound challenge and an honor, expressing a strong personal connection to Gao’s youthful revolutionary spirit and dedication.

The production, which premiered on August 20 and concluded after a series of performances across several cities in Shanxi by September, consists of nine acts that combine ideological themes with artistic elements. Bai’s approach to the role emphasized the principle of “from the masses, to the masses,” reflecting the close ties between the revolutionary leaders and the working-class individuals they represented. During his performance, Bai often crouched beside actors portraying workers, highlighting the shared experiences and bonds between the characters.

Audience members, including Wang Yaozhang, a railway attendant, found the play inspiring and evocative of the resilience and commitment of railway workers across generations. Wang noted the challenges faced by these pioneers amid turmoil and harsh conditions, underscoring the essential role they played in maintaining transportation and communication infrastructure. He said the performance reinforced a sense of duty and perseverance in his own work.

The cast featured grassroots railway workers, and the creative team collaborated extensively with historians and experts in Party and railway history to ensure historical accuracy and artistic quality. The production underwent multiple revisions to authentically represent the Red legacy of Shanxi’s railway development and to evoke a resonant connection with the audience.

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China and the 130th anniversary of Gao Junyu’s birth, adding symbolic significance to the play’s narrative and its celebration of local historical heritage.