On the evening of September 14th, the classic Sichuan Opera, Flower Fairy, made a stunning comeback as the opening performance of the Sixth Sichuan Opera Festival and the Second Sichuan Opera Gathering at the Chengdu High-Tech Performing Arts Center. After more than four decades, the play, which has been performed over 4,700 times, continues to captivate audiences with its enchanting beauty and profound cultural significance.
A Mythological Love Story
Flower Fairy is based on a mythological love story and was originally adapted from the traditional Sichuan Opera Fairy Sword by the Xindu County Sichuan Opera Troupe in the 1980s. The adaptation brought a fresh perspective to the genre, introducing innovative elements that enhanced both its visual appeal and artistic depth. The plot revolves around the romantic tale of Feng Hong, a flower fairy, and Chen QiuLin, a scholarly gentleman, showcasing Feng Hong’s noble character of gentleness and resilience, as well as her resistance to oppression and yearning for freedom.
A Cultural Milestone
Since its debut on March 8, 1980, Flower Fairy has captivated audiences both domestically and internationally, setting a record of over 4,700 performances and becoming a cultural symbol of the Sichuan Opera revival. The current production is helmed by renowned artistic director and president of the Sichuan Opera Troupe, Chen ZhiLin, with contributions from national-level directors, composers, and designers.
A New Generation of Performers
The September 14th performance marked a special occasion as the role of Flower Fairy was reprised by Zhang Yan, a recipient of the plum blossom award, after more than 20 years. Her exquisite acting and melodious singing brought the character to life, showcasing the complexity and beauty of the role. Zhang Yan, the fifth generation to play the part, spoke about the challenges of the role, which combines singing, reciting, acting, and fighting.
I started playing ‘Flower Fairy’ when I was just over 20 years old. Reviving this classic production was not easy. The role demands a lot, from singing to body movements, and it’s particularly challenging from start to finish. Passing on this play is indeed a difficult task, Zhang Yan shared.
However, she expressed her relief and joy in seeing a new generation of young actors take on key roles. We were trained by veteran artists from a young age, and now we are passing on what we learned to the younger generation. Traditional opera is a living heritage that needs to be passed down through oral teachings and gradual mastery. We are setting an example, hoping the younger generation will take up the baton and continue to pass on excellent plays like ‘Flower Fairy.’
Among the young actors is Wang Zihao, who plays the male lead, Chen QiuLin. He spoke about the pressure and challenges of taking on such a classic role. When I first got the role, I was very nervous and felt a lot of pressure, but pressure can bring motivation. With the guidance of the theater leadership and my teacher Xiao Demei, I have been gradually trying my best to fulfill the role. Although I still have many shortcomings compared to the teachers, I will continue to ponder and refine my performance to make it even better.
A Legacy of Artistry
Wang Zihao’s teacher, Xiao Demei, is a renowned Sichuan Opera performer and plum blossom award winner who has performed Flower Fairy over a thousand times. Speaking about his experience, Xiao Demei shared, I used to perform this play three times a day at its peak. It has brought me great rewards and has had a profound impact on my life.
Xiao Demei’s innovative techniques and dedication to the art form have been highly praised. Now, seeing my disciples take on the roles I once played, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment. It’s a rare opportunity for young people to showcase classic roles through the Sichuan Opera Festival. They may not reach our performance level in a short time, but youth is their advantage. They can continue to refine their craft and improve with each performance through feedback from teachers and audiences. This play is a classic of our Sichuan Opera, loved by both young and old, and I hope it will continue to be appreciated by new audiences as well.
Conclusion
The resplendent return of Flower Fairy at the Second Sichuan Opera Festival is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional Chinese opera. With each generation of performers, the legacy of Sichuan Opera continues to thrive, captivating audiences with its timeless elegance and profound cultural significance.
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