Gen Z Revives Sichuan Opera's 'Legend of the White Snake'
While many of her peers are engrossed in modern entertainment, 20-something actress Wan Yuehan is captivating audiences with her portrayal of Lady White in \"The Legend of the White Snake,\" a timeless Sichuan Opera classic.
Starting her journey into the traditional art form at the tender age of 10, Wan is part of a new generation of performers breathing fresh life into Sichuan Opera. Along with her fellow actors from the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theater, many of whom were also born in the 2000s, they demonstrate how the enchanting tale of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian continues to resonate with young and old alike.
The Legend of the White Snake is an iconic story in Chinese culture. It tells the tale of Xu Xian, a man who falls in love with Bai Suzhen, a female snake spirit transformed into a beautiful woman. The opera version, rich with themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice, is a cornerstone of Sichuan Opera repertoire.
In Sichuan Opera, roles are distinguished by unique characteristics. The Huadan role represents a lively and straightforward maiden, while the Wudan role, portrayed by Wan, is reserved for female characters skilled in martial arts. This duality adds depth to performances, and Wan's embodiment of Lady White showcases her martial prowess and passionate expression.
The resurgence of interest in traditional Chinese culture, fueled by social media, has brought art forms like Sichuan Opera to the forefront for younger audiences. Wan's short videos displaying her talent have gone viral, drawing more young people into the world of traditional performance.
Originating around 1700 in Sichuan province, Sichuan Opera is known for its dramatic features such as face-changing, a cappella singing, and off-stage choruses. Described by practitioners as \"hot and spicy,\" it captures the essence of Chinese traditional performance and continues to captivate modern audiences.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
