Stunning shows of traditional theater to hit Shanghai stage

Ti Gong

The curtain is about to rise on two new theater performances at the ongoing Shanghai International Arts Festival.

On Wednesday and Thursday, two Qinqiang shows, which chronicle the history of the time-honored Chinese theater society Yisu Troupe, take a bow at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center. They will be presented by the Xi’an Qinqiang Opera Theater.

The society, founded in 1912 in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, by a group of patriotic intellectuals, has been dedicated to China’s theater education and development for more than 100 years. 

So far, it has produced more than 800 plays, many of which have been adapted into varied Chinese theatrical forms and opera films.

According to Hui Minli, current director of Yisu Troupe, “The history of the society also provides an insight into the development of different theatrical forms in China.”

Qinqiang performers will portray the society members’ dedication to the theater art despite all kinds of difficulties. During the intervals of the performance, valuable historical materials about the society will be projected onto the screen.

Qinqiang, the representative traditional Chinese opera for the northwest Province of Shaanxi, has a theatrical history of over 2,000 years. In 2006, the ages-old art form was enlisted as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Also on Wednesday and Thursday, the highly anticipated Xiangju Opera “Moon Dream” will be staged at Yifu Theater by the Hunan Xiangju Opera Theater. 

Based on a true story, it tells of a teacher who devotes herself entirely to educating a poverty-stricken village for 30 years.

The leading role is played by Wang Yangjuan, winner of Wenhua Award and the Plum Blossom Award.

Xiangju Opera, a traditional theater art form of Hunan Province, combines folk arts with regional dialects and vocals.

Ti Gong