Cultivating a fascination with farming

Reaping rewards

Central Academy of Drama graduate Zhao Xiaotong was a complete novice to agriculture before joining the program. However, today, the 24-year-old has developed a keen interest in the field.

He even had the opportunity to speak at the 2023 World Agrifood Innovation Conference as a youth representative. His speech focused on "promoting agriculture among young people via new digital media technologies".

"This rustic life experience is particularly valuable for my future work, writing scripts and portraying characters," he says.

One time, on a day with freezing rain and temperatures around — 3 C, the group worked to drain the accumulated water in the rice fields. They immersed themselves in the water and used their bare hands to clear the drainage channels. This experience left a deep impression on Zhao.

"This job requires exhausting and repetitive work, but there is no immediate feedback from the land. In such moments, I felt conflicted internally, pulled to and fro. This emotional struggle helps me understand some roles I might play in the future," he says.

He dreams of creating an original theater play.

"The rustic lifestyle gives me plenty of free time to contemplate and observe everything around me. My ideas are gradually becoming clearer," he says.

For instance, on their farm, they raise livestock and adopt stray dogs. By observing these animals, he has got the idea of creating an interactive play that explores the nature of animals.

Despite the hardships of demanding farm labor, unpredictable weather and other challenging conditions, the participants thoroughly enjoy the satisfaction that comes from solving each problem and the familial bonds they come to share.

Zhao also points out that this period of life has taught him how to stick to his own rhythm.

"Amid the city's constant hum, many people are busy without truly understanding why. But here, we have a clear plan every day, and I know the land will affirm our efforts in the most direct way," he says.