The New Version of Teochew Opera “Ci Langzhou” Premieres at the Huiru Theater, Garnering Widespread Acclaim
Teochew opera, a traditional art form, has seen a rejuvenation in recent years with innovative practices aimed at offering a more diverse and multi-dimensional experience to its audience. The latest achievement in this effort was witnessed on January 30 at the Huiru Theater of Guangdong Teochew Theater in the form of the premiere of the new version of “Ci Langzhou,” a classic Teochew opera play.
Starring Mr. Yao Xuanqiu, a renowned contemporary Teochew opera performing artist, “Ci Langzhou” was originally created and staged in 1958. The play tells the poignant story of Chen Biniang and her husband Zhang Da during the Southern Song Dynasty, reflecting themes of righteousness, patriotism, and great national justice.
Guangdong Chaozhou Theater, in a bid to extend the classic play’s footprint, assembled a strong creative team and recruited young actors and actresses for the revival. The new version of “Ci Langzhou” has also been included in the key traditional drama revival plan project of the Art Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, showcasing the commitment to preserving and promoting the traditional art form.
The new version of “Ci Langzhou” incorporated modern stage technologies and a strong emphasis on visual impact without compromising the essence of the original play. This approach, along with the use of multimedia rendering, lighting color changes, and band atmosphere creation, has garnered appreciation from experts and scholars, spurring further discussions on the evolution of Teochew opera art.
At the seminar held during the premiere, experts lauded the performance and stage presentation of the new version. They highlighted the need to maintain the connection between language rhythm and music, explore and display the contemporary spirit, and continuously refine the play’s integration of popular and elegant texts.
The successful production is a result of the collaborative efforts of renowned industry figures such as Lu Ang, a professor, and Mo Xia, a famous director, who lent their expertise to the new version of “Ci Langzhou.”
The play’s chief director, Lu Ang, emphasized the significance of preserving tradition while innovating and activating it, making the Teochew opera stage visually captivating. Huang Yixuan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of Guangdong Chaozhou Theater, expressed that the revival represents a blend of classic memories and unique innovations, breathing new life into the traditional art form and passing it on to future generations.
Besides the premiere of “Ci Langzhou,” a series of cultural performances and events has been organized during the Spring Festival to create a joyful and festive atmosphere for citizens and tourists. These performances aim to promote traditional Teochew opera and cultivate a young audience for the art form.
The premiere of the new version of “Ci Langzhou” is a significant milestone in the continued evolution and promotion of Teochew opera, embracing both tradition and innovation to captivate contemporary audiences.
For those interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Teochew opera, a variety of performances will take place during the Spring Festival, offering an opportunity to witness the time-honored art form in all its splendor.