Chinese opera 'A Dream of Splendor' poised to premiere

A Chinese opera A Dream of Splendor, inspired by the popular TV series of the same name, is in the final preparation stage for its world premiere at the Shanghai Grand Theatre from March 28 to 30.

The production, a collaboration between Shanghai Opera House and Tencent Video, blends traditional Song Dynasty (960-1279) aesthetics with contemporary operatic elements.

In crafting an authentic representation of Song Dynasty culture, stage designer Ding Ding has created set pieces that transport audiences to the bustling streets of Kaifeng, Henan province, then known as Dongjing. Circular fans serve dual roles in Ding's design as practical props and symbolic elements embodying the era's artistic spirit.

"Our stage design breaks traditional spatial and temporal boundaries," Ding said. "We've drawn inspiration from ancient artworks to create a picture-in-picture scene on stage. The inner sorrows and joys of the characters are also projected through the paintings on the screen."

The production's costume design, led by Chen Gufang, reconstructs Song Dynasty fashion while incorporating modern theatrical elements.

Each character's costume tells its own story: protagonist Zhao Pan'er's garments feature orchid motifs symbolizing her gentle yet resilient nature, while male lead Gu Qianfan's crane-patterned costumes reflect his composure and authority.

Multimedia designer Hu Tianji has employed cutting-edge technology to enhance the visual experience. "We're using technology as a brush and culture as ink to create an innovative interpretation of traditional Chinese aesthetics," Hu said.

The production features dynamic projections of historical landmarks, including the Baochu Pagoda and Hong Bridge, complemented by historically accurate props.

Lighting designer Xiao Lihe has implemented a seasonal color scheme to symbolize the characters' emotional journeys, while the production's elaborate hairstyles and accessories recreate Song Dynasty fashion, including the baoji (wrapped bun) for women and futou (headwear) for men.

Composed by Lu Liang with libretto by Cao Lusheng, the opera features singers Xu Xiaoying and Yu Haolei. Conductor Zhang Chengjie and director Jiang Weiguo lead the Shanghai Opera House chorus and symphony orchestra in this production.