Half of the Sea, a Chinese dance drama, centering on the life story of Tan Kah Kee, a patriotic overseas Chinese business pioneer and philanthropist, premiered in Beijing on Sunday.

The production uses dance as an artistic medium to showcase his spirit of perseverance, patriotism, and dedication to education, paying tribute to the patriotic overseas Chinese who remained devoted to his homeland despite adversity.

Tan Kah Kee was born in Jimei village in Tong An district, Fujian province, on Oct 21, 1874. At age 16, he arrived in Singapore and joined his father in the family's rice trading business as an apprentice and bookkeeper. Tan proved himself to be an exceptional worker, and by 1892, he was put in charge of Chop Soon Ann company after his uncle fell ill and retired. In 1893, Tan returned to his home village Jimei, and set about establishing a business of his own.

The eminent entrepreneur donated money, and directed efforts to improve the lives of people in Chinese mainland through the turbulent wartime. In Singapore, he helped to establish five primary and secondary Chinese schools. In 1918, he established a normal school to train teachers in Fujian. When he founded Xiamen University in 1921, he ensured that the department of education had the best possible faculty. In Singapore, for a decade he campaigned for a Nanyang Chinese Normal School to train teachers for Chinese schools and it was established in 1941.

His love for China is reflected in his own memoirs, Nanqiao Huiyilu, which has been described as undoubtedly one of the best documented autobiographies ever written by an overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia.

On stage, the dancers' fluid and dynamic movements, combined with artistic elements like harbors, fishing boats, and villages, create a vivid depiction of Minnan (southern Fujian) and Southeast Asian scenery. The stage incorporates 16 suspended panels that reflect ever-changing scenes — from the glow of the hometown sunset to minimalist paper-folded fishing boats and a 10-meter-long rotating conference table. The modern stage design creates an immersive viewing experience, transporting the audience to a historical period filled with dramatic changes.

In terms of choreography, the dance drama seamlessly blends modern dance with traditional Minnan elements and the style of the early 20th century. It showcases the robust, rhythmic movements typical of Minnan dance while incorporating the fluidity and versatility of modern dance.

Director Lin Chen explained that the title, Half of the Sea, represents both the physical separation of the overseas Chinese from their homeland and their deep emotional connection and strong sense of national identity.

Following its Beijing debut, Half of the Sea will embark on a nationwide tour.