On June 3, the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) announced the 2026 first batch of “Backbone of China” repertoire list under the “Science Masters” Drama Project.The original musical Loyal Hearts Shine in the Southern Frontier, recommended by the Hainan Association for Science and Technology and submitted by Hainan University, was successfully selected.

Hainan University’s musical Loyal Hearts Shine in the Southern Frontier is selected for the 2026 “Backbone of China” repertoire.

Since 2012, to promote the spirit of Chinese scientists, CAST, in collaboration with seven other national bodies including the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has jointly launched “the Backbone of China” – University Promotion for the “Science Masters” Drama Project. The project creates and stages scientist-themed plays in the form of “teachers and students perform as alumni and juniors perform as seniors”, vividly interpreting the brilliant achievements and noble spirit of science masters, and embodying the project’s philosophy that the people and the Chinese nation will never forget scientists. To further highlight drama as its primary artistic form, strengthen its brand identity, and enhance its communication impact, the project was renamed the “‘Science Masters’ Drama Project” in 2026. It aims to inspire young students and sci-tech workers to embrace the spirit of Chinese scientists, uphold academic integrity, and drive society-wide innovation.

Guided and produced by the CPC Publicity Department of Hainan University and performed by the School of International Communication and Art, the musical Loyal Hearts Shine in the Southern Frontier is a sincere work carefully polished by Hainan University’s original team over two years. Previously, the musical was selected for the 2025 Scientists’ Story Stage Play Promotion Initiative jointly implemented by the seven above-mentioned authorities, and Hainan Province’s University Original Culture Promotion Projects. It has become a shining emblem of Hainan University’s literary and artistic creation and promotion of scientific spirit.

Performance scene of Hainan University’s original musical Loyal Hearts Shine in the Southern Frontier (Photo by Xie Lu)

Performance scene of Hainan University’s original musical Loyal Hearts Shine in the Southern Frontier (Photo by Xie Lu)

Performance scene of Hainan University’s original musical Loyal Hearts Shine in the Southern Frontier (Photo by Xie Lu)

Translated by Lin Junjun

Proofread by Wang Kexian