Young performers carry centuries-old Huiju Opera into tomorrow

"This performance creates a meaningful 'dialogue between centuries'," says Chi. "The Palace Museum stands as a hallowed hall in China's cultural lineage, while Huiju Opera's journey to Beijing 235 years ago marks a pivotal moment in our artistic history. Bringing them together in this sacred place honors both legacies while pointing toward the future."

What made this production particularly remarkable was its youthful cast — predominantly performers born after 2000, who have undergone years of rigorous training to master the intricate art form. Among them, young artist Qiao Chun'er describes the experience as transformative: "We have been practicing in the rehearsal room for months, polishing every detail. As the younger generation, we feel a deep sense of responsibility and mission."

The program carefully curated excerpts from four historic Huiju Opera troupes. These are Chuntai Troupe's Bai Tu Ji (The White Rabbit), Hechun Troupe's Yu Ni He (The River of Sludge), Sixi Troupe's Yu Zhou Feng (Cosmic Blade) and Sanqing Troupe's Long Hu Dou (Dragon-Tiger Battle). Each piece highlighted a distinct aspect of Huiju Opera's artistry, from the refined combination of singing and recitation to its unique tradition of infusing civil plays with martial flair.