The original musical Xia’s Legacy premiered at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) on September 10, coinciding with the 41st Teachers’ Day. The production pays tribute to Professor Shuzhang Xia—a pioneer of public administration in China—and tells the remarkable story of his life alongside his wife, Shujun Wang.
Professor Xia, considered as the founder of contemporary Chinese public administration and the father of the master’s of public administration (MPA) in China, passed away in 2024 at the age of 105. His lifelong work laid the groundwork for China’s administrative studies and shaped the country’s modern governance research, making him a revered figure at SYSU and beyond.
The musical is the result of nearly three years of meticulous collaboration between SYSU’s School of Government and School of Arts. What makes it even more special is its deep roots in the SYSU community: it was co-created by current students, alumni, and even members of Xia’s family, turning the production into a heartfelt tribute from the university he dedicated decades to.
Notably, Xia's family played an integral role in bringing his story to life. In addition to contributing to the script and directing, his family members also personally participated in the premiere, with his son, Jikang Xia, portraying elderly Xia, his daughter, Jihui Xia, playing elderly Shujun Wang, and his daughter-in-law, Xiaosui Zhang, serving as the musical's chorus conductor.
The production itself spotlights key chapters of Xia’s life and legacy. It reflects his dedication to Political Science during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and his significant academic contributions to the reconstruction of Chinese administrative studies and the modernization of national governance. It also highlights the deep love between Xia and his wife, as well as their shared pursuit of national ideals.
Rui Li, a student from the School of Arts, who plays the captain of the speech team, said:“The repeated refinement of lines and melodies during rehearsals has given me a deeper understanding of Xia's life. His perseverance and passion have become the key to understanding my character, making me realize that every detail on stage carries a deep respect for the spirit of the person I am portraying."
For SYSU students, the musical also serves as a source of inspiration. Lang Lang, a student from the Department of Philosophy at SYSU cited a line from the play that resonated strongly: “Young people, go find a path, for China, for China's future!” “I believe that when I face important decisions later, I’ll think of Xia’s example,” Lang added.
Looking ahead, Xia’s Legacy will continue its tour across SYSU’s campuses in Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen. It also scheduled to perform at Zhuhai Huafa International Grand Theatre, with plans for additional shows in Hong Kong and Macau. Below is the detailed performance schedule for upcoming shows:
Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming tours—this tribute to a scholar’s legacy is not to be missed!
