The 10th China Peking Opera Art Festival closed with a stunning performance of the Peking Opera “The Protagonist” at the Sichuan Provincial Culture and Art Center. The opera, which is adapted from the Mao Dun Literary Award-winning work of the same name by the famous writer and playwright Chen Yan, tells the story of Yi Qin’e, a young woman who embarks on a journey in the world of art, guided by her uncle Hu Sanyuan.
The play, directed by Zhang Manjun, depicts the ups and downs of Yi Qin’e’s life, from her teenage years to her fifties, as she rises to prominence and becomes a famous actress in the national opera world. The opera highlights the struggles and sacrifices that actors face in pursuit of their passion for traditional Chinese art.
The protagonist, played by actor Fu Jia, portrays the character Yi Qin’e with dignity and agility, showcasing her perseverance and unyielding temperament. The play also features actor Wei Jijun in the role of Hu Sanyuan, who serves as a drummer and a spiritual leader for Yi Qin’e, inspiring her to face the challenges of life on and off the stage.
The production team, including screenwriters Xu Fen and Xu Xinhua, director Zhang Manjun, and vocal designer and composer Zhu Shaoyu, worked diligently to bring the literary masterpiece to the Peking Opera stage. The team revised the script multiple times to present Yi Qin’e’s life as a narrative, portraying the challenges and triumphs she experienced as she pursued her passion for opera.
Fu Jia, who plays the lead role, expressed her dedication to the character by immersing herself in the role and diligently preparing for the challenging age span of the character. Director Zhang Manjun, a seasoned opera actor himself, emphasized the need to convey the character’s psychological state through the stage actions, bringing depth and authenticity to the portrayal of Yi Qin’e.
The opera’s creative team, many of whom have experienced the changes in the opera world over the years, hope that the audience can connect with the protagonist’s journey and find their own perception of the “protagonist” in their own lives. The production aims to inspire and remind the audience of the hardships and sacrifices behind every protagonist’s glory, whether on the stage or in other fields.
“The Protagonist” presents a powerful and poignant portrayal of a woman’s journey in the traditional Chinese art world, resonating with audiences as they witness the struggles and triumphs of the protagonist’s life.