Wan Yuehan, a post-2000s Sichuan Opera actress from the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theater, is breathing new life into the legendary role of Lady White in The Legend of the White Snake. While many of her peers are captivated by modern entertainment, Wan began her journey into the traditional world of Sichuan Opera at the tender age of 10.
She is part of a dynamic team of young performers, all born in the 2000s, who started their opera training at a similar age. This group exemplifies how the timeless story of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian continues to enchant new generations.
The Legend of the White Snake is an iconic tale in Chinese culture. It tells the story of Xu Xian, a young man who falls in love with Bai Suzhen, a female snake spirit transformed into a beautiful woman. The opera delves into themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice, and remains one of the most beloved stories in Sichuan Opera.
In Sichuan Opera, the Huadan role typically portrays a lively, straightforward maiden, while the Wudan role, as performed by Wan, is reserved for female characters skilled in martial arts. This duality of roles adds depth and uniqueness to the art form. When Wan dons the costume of Lady White, she fully embraces the Wudan character, showcasing her martial prowess and delivering a passionate performance.
With the growing interest in traditional Chinese culture in recent years, especially through social media, Chinese opera has found its way into the hearts of younger audiences. Wan's short videos, highlighting her talent and the beauty of Sichuan Opera, have gone viral. They are inspiring more young people to explore The Legend of the White Snake and other traditional performances.
Sichuan Opera, which originated in Sichuan province around 1700, is renowned for dramatic features like face-changing, a cappella singing, and its off-stage chorus. Described by its practitioners as \"hot and spicy,\" Sichuan Opera captures the essence of Chinese traditional performance in a way that continues to resonate with modern audiences.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
