Young performers carry centuries-old Huiju Opera into tomorrow

On the occasion of the 235th anniversary of Huiju Opera's arrival in Beijing, a new generation of performers is stepping forward to carry the centuries-old art form into the future, infusing it with youthful vigor and creative passion.

In 1790, four opera troupes from East China's Anhui province came to Beijing to perform during celebrations marking the 80th birthday of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Some troupes stayed on in the capital, and by the early 1800s, they began collaborating with outstanding performers from Hubei province. Their exchanges eventually gave rise to what is now known as Peking Opera.

To mark this milestone, a special performance was held on Sept 22 at Changyin Ge — the Pavilion of Cheerful Melodies — within the Palace Museum. There, young artists born in the 2000s showcased their talent and devotion, signaling a vibrant future for this classical tradition.

The special performance served as a powerful showcase of this renaissance. According to Chi Jun, chief director of the performance and screenwriter at the National Peking Opera Company, the production took over six years to realize, involving in-depth historical research, inspiration from the museum's collections, and the revival of ceremonial music and traditional stagecraft.