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.

"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.

Wang Jingxian, rehearsal director of this performance and a first-generation inheritor of Huiju Opera after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, says the prominence of young performers signals a vital renaissance. "These artists represent the third generation of Huiju Opera practitioners — our grandchildren's generation. Their energy, dedication and willingness to push creative boundaries ensure the art form will not only survive but thrive in the contemporary cultural landscape."

The anniversary celebrations extend far beyond a single performance. Zhang Jian, president of Anhui Performing Arts Group, announced an ambitious series of initiatives on Sept 22 at a news conference in Beijing. The plan includes a nine-city performance tour retracing the original route of the Anhui troupes' journey to Beijing — covering Beijing, Tianjin, Jinan, Yangzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Anqing, Huangshan and Hefei.

The initiatives also feature publishing historical repertoire collections in collaboration with the Palace Museum, hosting lectures by renowned artists, organizing themed exhibitions, and introducing Huiju Opera in schools through interactive educational activities.

In addition, Anhui province is hosting a national opera festival from late September through the upcoming Spring Festival. The event will bring together leading artists from various traditional opera genres to stage over 100 classic productions, alongside another 100 performances by Anhui's local opera troupes, offering audiences an immersive cultural feast.

Audiences have responded enthusiastically. A native surnamed He from Fuyang city in Anhui says he grew up with Yuju Opera (from Henan province) thanks to his parents' influence. "My hometown sits right on the border between Henan and Anhui provinces. As a child, I often saw my parents listening to Yuju Opera. That's why I specifically brought my child along this time — hoping to let them experience the charm of our excellent traditional culture up close."

Zhang adds that the commemorative activities aim to honor cultural origins, carry forward this rich legacy, and write a new chapter for the tradition in our contemporary era.

"The arrival of the Huiju Opera troupes in Beijing 235 years ago was a milestone in Chinese theater history. It played a pivotal role in the birth of Peking Opera and influenced the evolution of traditional Chinese opera as a whole," he says. "We are not just commemorating history — we're writing its next chapter through these young artists."