Breaking traditional barriers

Li's ability to blend tradition and modernity was also showcased in her directorial debut of the Chinese musical Till We Meet Again, which premiered earlier this year. The production is a murder mystery featuring a young cast. The story is set around a Peking Opera troupe in Beijing around a century ago. Many audience members, around the same age as the performers, shared their thoughts on social media and offered feedback that has inspired the creative team.

"I'm trying to make a platform where young voices can thrive, where performers and audiences can interact, and where old art forms speak to the hearts of all generations," Li explains.

"Turning 40 this year, I feel a stronger commitment to grounding my work in Chinese opera's rich traditions. At the same time, I want it to resonate with younger generations, infusing it with modern elements while staying true to its roots. The challenge is to preserve the essence of the art form while ensuring audiences today can relate," she adds.

Li's latest Kunqu Opera production, Age of Splendour, set to be staged at the China Shanghai International Arts Festival on Oct 15 and 16, also features a young cast. The sixth-generation artists of the Zhejiang Jingkun Art Centre, most of whom were born after 2000, bring a new energy to this 600-year-old art form.

The story revolves around Shangguan Wan'er (664-710), China's female prime minister and a brilliant poet during the Tang Dynasty. The entire play spans three dynasties and 35 years, encompassing numerous key figures from the Tang Dynasty.

Ren Siyuan, the stage designer of Age of Splendour, who has worked with Li for years, says: "Audiences today expect a fresh theater experience. They no longer want the old or complex decorative structures they have seen before.

"Instead, we use elements such as folding fans that are both traditional and contemporary to blend preservation with innovation," Ren adds.

"We want to break down the barriers between tradition and the modern world, proving that traditional Chinese opera is not just for the past but has a vibrant future," he says.