On the evening of April 30, the seats of Hefei Grand Theatre were filled to capacity as famed Huangmei opera artist Han Zaifen led the cast in the beloved classic The Female Consort Prince (Nv Fuma). As its timeless melodies and memorable lyrics resounded through the grand auditorium, the audience couldn’t help tapping along and softly singing. Thus opened the second season of the “Tribute to the Classics – The Resonant Voice of the Phoenix” event, part of the “Good Operas in Anhui” Huangmei Opera Cultural Showcase and Cultural-for-All Consumption Promotion.

In 1958, Nv Fuma was first created and premiered by the Anqing Regional Huangmei Opera Troupe—the predecessor of today’s Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Art Theatre. Later, Huangmei opera master Yan Fengying starred in the play and in its film adaptation, spreading its fame throughout the north and south of the country, and earning it the reputation of a sister piece to The Heavenly Match (Tianxian Pei).

Tonight’s “Feng Suzhen” was split between rising post-’00s talent Wang Chenchen in the first half and veteran Han Zaifen in the second, delighting the audience with a fresh take. “This year marks the 95th anniversary of Yan Fengying’s birth. By pairing ‘the old to guide the new,’ we bring Nv Fuma to today’s audiences—paying homage to the previous generation while showcasing Huangmei opera’s vibrant continuity,” Han Zaifen remarked with pride.

Huainan enthusiast Liu Xiaojiao secured three front-row seats and brought her parents to relive the classic in Hefei. “Nv Fuma never grows old,” she beamed. “With subsidized tickets topping out at just ¥80, it’s an absolute steal!” Taking advantage of the May Day holiday to tour the provincial capital and catch this benefit performance, she declared, “This trip was worth every moment.”

From Nv Fuma, The Heavenly Match, and The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, to Tang Sheng and Li Niang, West Pavilion Meeting, and Moon in Yili, Season 2 of “Good Operas in Anhui” assembles troupes from provincial, municipal, and county levels. State-owned and private companies alternate their signature productions; opera masters and young talents showcase their specialties. Over six days and six grand performances, these storied Huangmei operas will accompany citizens and tourists through a festive May Day.

Outside the performances, Hefei Grand Theatre’s cultural market buzzed with activity. Plump Huaining blueberries invited sampling; shelves overflowed with delightful Huangmei opera–themed souvenirs; and discounted premium books attracted eager readers.

“We’ve brought the bookstore into the theatre and into the heart of opera fans,” explained Jin Yueqing, Marketing Planning Director at Anhui Xinhua Media Cultural Services. “Our offerings range from themed publications and bestsellers to children’s literature—some titles at up to 50% off. We’ve also introduced Hefei-inspired cultural products like round fans, fridge magnets, and canvas bags for visitors to take home.”

Co-hosted by the Anhui Provincial Party Committee Publicity Department, the Departments of Culture & Tourism and Commerce, the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, and the Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the “Good Operas in Anhui” Huangmei Opera Cultural Showcase and Cultural-for-All Consumption Promotion is not only driving cultural consumption but also earning widespread acclaim.

“Season 2 runs from April 30 through May 5 and spans six key segments: public benefit performances, cultural tourism promotion, cultural markets, benefit screenings, consumption subsidies, and academic symposia,” said the head of the Literary & Art (Film) Section at the Provincial Publicity Department. Beyond the Hefei and Anhui Grand Theatres, events will extend to Xinhua Bookstores, cinemas, and scenic spots across the province, inviting tourists to gather in the Jianghuai region over May Day to experience new forms, new venues, and new perks of cultural consumption.

Photo by Zhang Dagang, Anhui Daily

Source: Anhui Daily