Innovations in Chinese opera with 'Play of All-Beings'

Infusing ancient melodies with contemporary sentiments, the video series "Play of All-Beings," produced by China Media Group (CMG), has been broadcast.

The series consists of three short films: "Calorie-less Restaurant," "On Off," and "Specular." In the series, Chinese opera is creatively reimagined to appeal to the contemporary tastes of young audiences. The presentation spans both the large and small screens, embracing a cross-platform approach. The fusion of traditional opera with modern elements aims to evoke emotional resonance among Generation Z audiences.

"Play of All-Beings" utilizes pioneering and modern filming techniques to offer a fresh interpretation of traditional opera elements. Distinctive shooting angles and editing methods expand the expressive boundaries of traditional opera, enhancing its beauty through creative transformation and innovative development.

The opening episode of the series, "Calorie-less Restaurant," premiered in June 2023. This video draws inspiration from traditional Huzhou Opera, which originated in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province. Through the portrayal of a veteran artist who sings while eating, without the use of props, the traditional intangible cultural heritage art form takes on a touch of "cyberpunk."

After the release of the short film, numerous young internet users shared their thoughts, saying that "Traditional elements find rejuvenation in the modern age, representing a Chinese-style blend of romance and happiness."

The release of "On Off" and "Specular" at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 continues to break barriers, presenting captivating performances within the enduring tradition of Chinese opera.

"On Off" draws inspiration from characters in the traditional Kunqu Opera "The Peony Pavilion." The window in the video symbolizes the "heart’s door," combining Kunqu Opera with the chat format in the online world to narrate a story of seeking love in the modern digital era.

"Specular" is a contemporary fable expressed through the medium of traditional Chinese opera. The short film, through the abstract creation of a dreamlike atmosphere, compresses an entire life into a brief few minutes within the frame of a mirror. The title expresses the idea that "the world looks different depending on each person's subjective perspective."