Opera Trails: How Peking Opera finds modern echoes in today's audiences

When seven-year-old Chang Qiuyue first glimpsed the crimson silks of "Hong Niang" (The Matchmaker) costumes, she dubbed them "Auntie Red" – an innocent nickname masking a life-changing revelation.

"They were so beautiful, and I dreamed of becoming that radiant figure," Chang, a National First-Class Actress, told CGTN, recalling her childhood encounter with Peking Opera costumes.

Her journey into the art form began pragmatically. Her father, an amateur performer, enrolled her in opera school to strengthen her health. Yet what started as therapeutic training soon ignited an artistic devotion that now fuels Peking Opera's contemporary evolution. Initially assigned to grueling martial Daoma Dan roles to build endurance, Chang gradually discovered her artistic identity in the Xun School's lyrical elegance.

"Xun-style singing feels like spring – lighter, more graceful and fluid compared to other schools," she explains, referencing the school's vocal techniques and music. Despite her grandmother's "protests," the shy girl transformed into bold Hua Dan roles through intense training. This duality – physical rigor meeting artistic refinement – shaped her approach to China's 200-year-old treasure.

Balancing tradition and modernity

As a performer of Xun School classics like "Hong Niang," where seven rapid costume changes earned her the nickname "Sister Rainbow," Chang reimagines tradition through modern lenses. Her designs blend historic silhouettes with Morandi's muted palettes, creating visually striking ensembles that bridge tradition with contemporary audiences.

Yet market realities temper artistic instincts. Chang confesses a deeper affinity for tragic roles. "Tragic characters have profound depth," she says. "But cheerful heroines sell tickets."

In addition to preserving and innovating traditional Peking Opera, Chang explores new themes and subjects through modern compositions. She has taken on roles that reflect contemporary society's experiences and challenges, expanding the art form's relevance.

Reviving forgotten plays

Chang is also dedicated to reviving forgotten Xun operas, such as "Dan Qing Yin," reconstructed from crumbling scripts. These annual projects challenge both the artist and the audience.

"These lesser-known works are seldom performed, but when they are, audiences often say, 'The play is incredible! Why has no one performed it before?'" Chang notes, emphasizing the resources and dedication required for such revivals.

Chang's dedication is deeply inspired by her mentor, Sun Yumin, whose tireless commitment serves as a constant reminder of the legacy she hopes to leave.

"My teacher worked like every day was her last," Chang reflects. "Now I ask: What legacy will I leave?" For Chang Qiuyue, the answer lies in her efforts to bridge centuries – whether through nurturing young actors, reinventing traditional costumes, or capturing the timeless charm of Peking Opera for the digital age.

(Cover: Peking Opera actress Chang Qiuyue. /courtesy of Chang Qiuyue)

Narrator: Yang Yan

Reporters: Chen Chen, Zhong Xia

Text by Zhong Xia

Video editor: Zhong Xia

Videographers: Gao Peng, Wang Zekui

Cover designer: Liu Shaozhen

Xu Wen, Chen Chen contributed to video post-production.