Peking Opera to pay tribute to Han Dynasty female historian

China National Peking Opera Company will premiere its latest production, Nyu Shi Fu, or The Tribute to the Female Historian, on Dec 21 at Mei Lanfang Grand Theater in Beijing.

Ban Zhao, the renowned Chinese historian of Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), is known for her famous work Han Shu, or Chronicle of Han Dynasty, which is one of the best-known histories ever written.

The Peking Opera production portrays the woman scholar's life experiences, emotional entanglements, political opportunities, and historical work, expressing reverence for culture and cultural figures, as well as a profound exploration of human nature and life's emotional depth.

Screenwriter Luo Huaizhen revealed that the Peking Opera production seeks to portray the noble qualities of the protagonist and aims to present the spirit of cultural guardianship that never gives up, even in the face of adversity.

Director Cao Qijing stated that while the stories of Ban Zhao have been staged in other forms such as Yueju Opera and Kunqu Opera, this adaptation in the style of Peking Opera primarily focuses on character development. The goal is not to create a grand historical narrative but rather to bring historical figures to life in the present, allowing them to resonate with contemporary audiences and connect on a spiritual level.

Other creative team members of the production include veteran Peking Opera artist Yuan Huiqin, who is the artistic director of the production, and Peking Opera actress Lyu Yaoyao, who will play the leading role in the production.