Photo: Screenshot of Weibo video

The first stage drama in China focusing on military veterans kicked off at the Opera House of People's Liberation Army in Beijing on Friday. Launched by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of China, the drama Bingxin (lit: Heart of Soldiers) aims to reveal the spirit of China's soldiers and promote respect and reverence for those who have dedicated themselves to serving the country. 

The drama depicts two storylines. The first one follows veteran Geng Changnian as he discusses what the "heart of soldiers" is with his children and helps his two sons to find this spirit, while the second is about another veteran, Sun Dashu, who tries to remember his original intentions for becoming a soldier.

The drama does not skip out on conflict, covering controversial topics such as military deserters and the reasons behind historical wars. 

"Combining my own experience in the military, I thought very deeply about the theme of the drama," scriptwriter Li Wenxu told media after the performance on Friday, noting that the drama was revised six times in order to get every detail right. 

Wang Jun, deputy director of the Military Service Management Division of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, said that the drama aims to tell a good red story, cultivate love for one's family and country and promote reverence and respect for soldiers and veterans throughout society.

All the performers in the drama are veterans. Its director Peng Peng said that the veterans are similar to the characters they play in the drama and have a lot of love in their hearts, so they can understand what the characters think and feel and can then convey this to audiences.