Hong Kong Investment Immigration Circle listens to stories happening in Hong Kong: In 1988, her play "The First Building in the World" caused a sensation after its performance in Beijing.
The following year, at nearly forty, she moved to Hong Kong. Media in the mainland remarked, "What can a playwright who has left her native culture do?"
She indeed felt the cultural differences in Hong Kong, "Even the language is different."
However, after living in Hong Kong for 24 years, she has "no regrets."
"In addition to broadening my horizons, there has also been a shift in my perspective, which has provided me with a rare new experience for my creations," she said.
Today, her works such as "De Ling and Empress Dowager Cixi" and "The First Building in the World" are included in Hong Kong's secondary school curriculum.
Some critics who have seen "De Ling and Empress Dowager Cixi" believe, "It is the culture of Hong Kong and Beijing that has shaped her."
She is He Jiping, the chairperson of the Hong Kong "Reunion Troupe" and a renowned playwright.
Recently, He Jiping participated in the "Art Sea Flowing Gold - Understanding the Soul of Porcelain" event co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and the Jiangxi Provincial Government, where she was interviewed by a reporter from China News Service.
He Jiping spoke to the reporter about her view of the "spirit of Hong Kong people." She said that in 2003, under the influence of the financial crisis and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), the emotions of Hong Kong people "hit rock bottom." At the invitation of the Hong Kong SAR government, she created the musical "Sweet and Sour Hong Kong" in about 45 days.
"This play reflects the mindset of Hong Kong residents after the return to the motherland. Although there were some setbacks, the Hong Kong people's determination and perseverance have always existed from that time to now. This is the spirit of Hong Kong people."
She stated that since Hong Kong's return to the motherland 16 years ago, residents have consistently upheld this belief.
He Jiping grew up in Beijing, and she said that traditional Chinese culture laid a foundation for her, while Hong Kong's commercialization and internationalization broadened her thinking. "I combined the two, gradually forming my own style, which has also been recognized by Hong Kong society."
Recently, He Jiping was awarded the inaugural "Outstanding Women of Hong Kong" award by the Hong Kong Federation of Women, sharing this honor with 19 other outstanding women from Hong Kong.
"I have integrated myself into Hong Kong society, and Hong Kong has accepted me. A place that accepts you is home. Therefore, I feel that Hong Kong is my other home."
He Jiping's works are not only recognized in Hong Kong but are also very popular in the mainland and Taiwan. "I write with genuine feelings," she said, "As long as I continue to be sincere, the audience will not be lost."
Her work "The First Building in the World" is the first play from the mainland to be performed in Taiwan. When discussing the development of drama across the Taiwan Strait and in Hong Kong and Macau, she noted that Taiwan has done a better job in inheriting Chinese culture than Hong Kong, as "Taiwan has long been culturally connected with the mainland."
She mentioned that there are language differences (Cantonese and Mandarin) in the exchange of drama between Hong Kong and the mainland, which creates certain barriers, but these are not insurmountable. "If a script can be well done in Hong Kong, it will still be recognized in the mainland."
Regarding how to help the people of Hong Kong better understand mainland drama, He Jiping believes that the subject matter is very important, stating, "The work must have universal value."
Having lived in Hong Kong for over 20 years, He Jiping has witnessed the development and exchange between Hong Kong and the mainland. "When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I spoke Mandarin, and others thought I was from Taiwan," she said. "At that time, speaking Mandarin in Hong Kong was quite special, but now it is very common. Back then, there was a saying in the Hong Kong entertainment industry that if you couldn't speak English, you couldn't make movies. Now, it has changed to if you can't speak Mandarin, you can't make movies."
"With the pace of the return, Hong Kong people know what they should do, gradually improving themselves and adapting to the new environment."
He Jiping stated that Hong Kong people are very sincere, and when disasters occur in the mainland, they are always generous in donating. "This society is relatively simple, especially in the entertainment industry, where there is a strong sense of professional ethics. She has collaborated with stars such as Leslie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, and Jacky Cheung.
"They make me feel a sense of sincerity and their dedication to their careers," He Jiping expressed, noting that with focus and sincerity, better works can be produced.
Regarding her recent visit to Jiangxi, He Jiping remarked that she did not expect to find so much culture and so many celebrities here, which reminded her of a line of poetry: "Without visiting the garden, how can one know the beauty of spring?"
She stated that participating in the Art Sea Flowing Gold event was very enriching, allowing her to understand many aspects of local culture in a short time, and she was deeply moved. Additionally, through this event, she was able to meet many friends in the industry.