Yue Opera, a 150-year-old gem of Chinese culture, is redefining tradition through bold innovations that captivate global audiences. Born in Shaoxing City and recognized as China's national intangible cultural heritage, this lyrical art form now sees women dominating both male and female roles – a revolutionary shift from its all-male origins in the 1920s.
At the heart of this revival stands Wu Fenghua, a two-time Plum Blossom Award winner renowned for her male lead roles. Through her Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Art Heritage Center, artists merge Shakespearean drama with traditional techniques – like their groundbreaking adaptation of Macbeth titled General Ma Long.
‘We’re speaking to today’s globalized audience,’ Wu explains through interpreters. The company has modernized staging techniques while preserving iconic elements like the wu dialect singing and flowing water sleeve movements that define Yue Opera.
With over 300 performances annually across the Chinese mainland and international tours, this art form demonstrates how cultural heritage can evolve. Young audiences particularly connect with its streamlined storytelling – traditional operas now run 90 minutes instead of six hours, delivered through platforms from TikTok to streaming services.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
