Kids excel at open day teaching them about the rich history of Chinese opera

A girl, wearing an opera costume with makeup, performs during an open day event held at Shanxi Grand Theater in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, recently. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

Shanxi Grand Theater in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, recently hosted a unique event that brought the ancient art of Chinese opera to children's lives.

Titled "Passing on Loyalty and Righteousness: Various Ways to Explore Guan Gong", this children's opera open day featured a captivating blend of traditional performance and modern interaction, aimed at introducing young audiences to the rich world of traditional Chinese opera. Guan Yu, also known as Guan Gong, is a legendary figure from the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), and is one of the many popular characters in Chinese opera. His stories of loyalty and valor have been passed down through generations, making him a familiar name in Chinese households.

Jin Opera artist Wu Lingyun (left) interacts with young performers backstage during the event. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

Jin Opera artist Wu Lingyun, one of the organizers of the event, said: "Our performance, Ode to Guan Gong, serves as a bridge between children and traditional opera. By integrating popular singing techniques with classic opera dialogue, we break down barriers and invite children into the world of opera in a way they can easily connect with."

Wu said that he was amazed by the participating children's performances, noting their confidence and poise on stage. "Despite their limited exposure to opera, their curiosity and passion for traditional culture are truly moving," he said.

A young participant in the event displays basic Opera movements. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

The event featured a series of standout performances. In Peking Opera The Matchmaker, young actors portrayed lively and vivid characters with agility and grace. In Hu Family Village, the young performers demonstrated impressive skills with their swordplay, exuding a spirited energy. Meanwhile, four young actors in The Battle of Dingjunshan showcased their solid training, embodying the discipline and techniques of traditional opera.

A highlight of the day was the children's opera movement experience area, where 10 girls and 10 boys, guided by professional instructors, learned basic opera movements. Their gestures gradually began to reflect the unique charm of the ancient art form.

Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn

Young performers stage a standout performance of traditional opera. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY 

A young performer limbers up to practice traditional opera technique. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

A instructor helps a child complete a basic opera movement during the event. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY 

Four performers of Guan Gong play backstage. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY 

Two children, wearing opera costumes, wait for their turn to perform. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY