The Kunqu Opera “Leifeng Pagoda” was staged by Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe at the Grand Theatre of Changsha Meixihu International Cultural & Arts Center at 19:30 on March 18.

As one of the eight Kunqu opera troupes in China, the Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe's debut of this classic full-length opera in the provincial capital marks a crucial step in the inheritance and innovation of Kunqu opera that has been rooted in Chenzhou for over 60 years.

The “Leifeng Pagoda” emphasizes both martial arts and literatary performances, with a complete range of role types. It is regarded as a “touchstone” in the industry to measure the artistic strength of a troupe.

Starring first-class actress Liu Jie as Bai Suzhen, the opera also features outstanding performers such as Wang Fuwen, Zhang Luyan, Shi Feifei, and Fan Jiawei.

Through the delicate literary scene of “Broken Bridge” and the dynamic martial arts scene of “Water Fight”, it showcases the distinct style of Hunan Kunqu opera, which combines gentleness with strength and integrates literary grace with martial spirits.

The Hunan Kunqu opera version of “Leifeng Pagoda” deeply integrates the characteristics of Hunan culture. Linguistically, it takes Xiangnan Mandarin as its foundation. The chou (clown) and fu (supporting) roles adopt Chenzhou Mandarin combined with Zhongzhou rhyme, and innovatively incorporate the techniques of Xiangnan folk songs. Narratively, it reshapes the image of Bai Suzhen. For instance, in the scene "Duan Yang (Dragon Boat Festival)", her motivation for drinking realgar wine is changed from "fear of revealing her true form" to an active choice of "risking her life for love", upgrading the tragic character into a resolute resistor that embodies the Hunan people's spirit of "ba man" (tenacity and perseverance) and "refusing to admit defeat".

The performance combines sound, light, and electricity technology with traditional martial arts stunts, creating a majestic atmosphere through intensive collective fights, somersaults, and special effects. It has received enthusiastic responses from the present audience.

As a world-class intangible cultural heritage project protection unit, the Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe has launched innovative works in recent years. The staging of the full-length “Leifeng Pagoda” further promotes Kunqu opera to be closer to contemporary audiences, becoming an important business card for the dissemination of Hunan culture to the outside world.

Chinese source: czxww