Gen Z Revives Sichuan Opera's \"The Legend of the White Snake\"
Chongqing, China — In an era where pop culture and digital entertainment dominate, a new generation of artists is breathing fresh life into traditional Chinese opera. Among them is 23-year-old Wan Yuehan, a Sichuan Opera actress from the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theater, who has been captivating audiences with her portrayal of the legendary Lady White in \"The Legend of the White Snake\".
Starting her opera journey at the tender age of 10, Wan represents a group of young performers born in the 2000s who are dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Sichuan Opera. \"While many of my peers were exploring modern entertainment, I was drawn to the rich storytelling and expressive art of Sichuan Opera,\" Wan shares.
\"The Legend of the White Snake\" is a timeless tale in Chinese culture, depicting the love story between Xu Xian, a mortal man, and Bai Suzhen, a snake spirit who takes on the form of a beautiful woman. Themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice resonate throughout the opera, making it one of the most cherished stories in the Sichuan Opera repertoire.
Wan's role as Lady White is particularly demanding, as it combines the elegance of the Huadan (lively maiden) with the strength of the Wudan (female martial artist). \"Embodying Lady White requires both grace and martial prowess,\" explains Wan. \"It's this duality that makes Sichuan Opera so unique and challenging.\"
The young actress has also embraced social media to share her passion. Her short videos showcasing the intricate costumes, makeup, and movements of Sichuan Opera have gone viral, introducing a new audience to this traditional art form. \"Social media has become a bridge between the old and the new,\" says Wan. \"It's inspiring to see more young people taking an interest in our cultural heritage.\"
Sichuan Opera, originating in the Sichuan province around 1700, is renowned for its dramatic features such as face-changing, a cappella singing, and off-stage choruses. Often described as \"hot and spicy\" by its practitioners, the opera captures the vibrancy and depth of Chinese traditional performance.
With artists like Wan leading the way, Sichuan Opera is experiencing a renaissance among younger generations. Their dedication not only preserves this ancient art but also ensures that its stories continue to enthrall audiences for years to come.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
