Expert- China’s local operas are looking for their -original flavor-, and small operas appear on the big stage
On October 24th in Nanning, the President of the Chinese Modern Drama Research Association, Ji Guoping, spoke about the revitalization of traditional Chinese regional operas at a seminar hosted by the Guangxi Drama Theater. He emphasized the potential of these operas to attract younger audiences by blending traditional elements with modern technology, creating a captivating theatrical experience that can bridge the gap between youthful innovation and classical art forms.
The seminar, themed “Giving Voice to the People, Singing for the Era,” featured discussions among experts and scholars from the Chinese theater community, focusing on the development of local operas in Guangxi.
Former Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Arts Division, Lü Yuzhong, remarked on the unique nature of regional theatrical forms in Guangxi, stating, “Cai Diao Opera remains true to itself, and Zhuang Opera is distinctly Zhuang. Unlike some regional forms that have been overshadowed by larger genres like Peking or Kunqu opera, Guangxi has done a commendable job in preserving its local flavors.” He highlighted that Guangxi boasts 18 native theatrical forms that maintain their essence while showcasing distinct ethnic and regional characteristics through performance and dialect.
In recent years, traditional Chinese opera has seen a wave of innovation. Many local theatrical groups have embraced contemporary elements, utilizing projection and virtual reality to create a fresh perspective on age-old art forms. For instance, the Guangxi Drama Theater’s performance of the Cai Diao Opera “New Liu Sanjie” integrates modern figures like delivery workers and rural e-commerce into its narrative. Actors balance on scooters while singing, seamlessly blending rap and dialect performance, enriching the audience’s immersive experience.
Liu Yanjun, the President of the Chinese Minority Drama Society, praised “New Liu Sanjie” for elevating the visibility of local Guangxi operas on a grand stage. She noted that the production effectively weaves the rich cultural aspects of the Zhuang community into a contemporary setting, painting a vivid picture of rural youth pursuing their dreams in China today. Liu emphasized that local operas need to deeply root themselves in regional cultural characteristics to gain recognition beyond their localities and ultimately reach a global audience.