Politics · China · 1 day ago
Musical in Chongqing retells China’s 1938 Yichang evacuation
A musical called “Forty Days” is being staged in Chongqing on October 11 and 12.
It tells the story of the 1938 evacuation from Yichang, led by businessman Lu Zuofu during the war with Japan.
After Wuhan fell, more than 30,000 people and over 90,000 tonnes of military and industrial supplies were stranded in Yichang.
Lu organized 24 ships to move people and supplies toward Chongqing before low water on the Yangtze made travel harder.
In 40 days, all the people were evacuated and about two-thirds of the supplies were moved.
The operation helped protect China’s industrial capacity and is remembered as an example of patriotic service and determined planning.
The musical is part of efforts in Lu’s home region to introduce his life and ideas to new audiences through cultural works and events.
The original musical Forty Days retells the 1938 Yichang evacuation and is being staged in Chongqing on October 11 and 12.
The evacuation moved more than 30,000 people from Yichang in 40 days as Japanese forces advanced and the Yangtze faced an approaching dry season.
The operation also moved more than 60,000 tonnes of equipment and supplies, about two-thirds of the amount stranded in Yichang.
The musical brings the story to Lu Zuofu’s hometown of Chongqing for the first time.
Scholars say the story highlights Lu’s patriotism and the contribution of businesses and ordinary people during the crisis.
- Who
- The musical tells the story of Lu Zuofu and the people involved in the Yichang evacuation.
- What
- The original musical Forty Days retells the 1938 evacuation.
- When
- The musical is scheduled for October 11 and 12, 2026. The evacuation took place in 1938.
- Where
- The musical is being staged at Chongqing Grand Theatre; the evacuation was carried out from Yichang to the rear area in Chongqing.
- Why
- More than 30,000 people and military and industrial supplies needed to be moved after Wuhan fell, amid the Japanese advance and the approaching dry season.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
After Wuhan fell, more than 30,000 people and over 90,000 tonnes of military and industrial supplies were stranded in Yichang.
Lu Zuofu directed an evacuation that moved all of the people and about two-thirds of the equipment and supplies.
The musical Forty Days is scheduled to be staged at Chongqing Grand Theatre.
- Musical
- Forty Days
- Performance venue
- Chongqing Grand Theatre
- Performance dates
- October 11–12, 2026
- People evacuated
- More than 30,000
- Evacuation period
- 40 days
- Equipment and supplies moved
- More than 60,000 tonnes, about two-thirds of the amount in Yichang
What people are saying
Lu Zuofu’s most valuable spiritual legacy to Chinese entrepreneurs today is patriotism.
The greatest value of artistic works is to turn the abstract ideas of patriotism, hard work and dedication in books into stories people can see, feel and empathize with.
The victory of the Yichang evacuation was the result of patriotism at its core, scientific methods as its guide, and solidarity as its guarantee.
Sources
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