On the evening of September 10, the classic Huangmei Opera "Luopa Ji" was staged at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, delivering a spectacular performance for the Hong Kong audience and receiving an enthusiastic response. 

According to reports, the visiting performance was led by Han Zaifen, a renowned Chinese Huangmei Opera artist and president of the Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Art Theater, who brought together many outstanding artists from the theater for this brilliant presentation. 

"Luopa Ji", which debuted in Hong Kong on the evening of the 10th, is celebrated as one of the "Three Masterpieces" of Huangmei Opera, alongside "Marriage of the Fairy Princess" and "Female Consort Prince". The opera features exquisite singing and a humorous plot, with many young actors demonstrating solid performance skills. It transforms the popular genre of courtroom drama into an ethical tale of a secular family, enriched with diverse vocal styles that thoroughly test the actors' singing abilities. The story revolves around Chen Saijin, the daughter of a high official, and her husband, Wang Keju, who are separated due to a misunderstanding over a lost silk scarf. After numerous twists and turns, they eventually resolve their misunderstandings and reunite.  

A Hong Kong audience member, Ms. Zhan, exclaimed, "This is the most touching performance I have seen in the past three years. In an international city like ours, we need even more the nourishment and immersion of traditional culture." Many other audience members also expressed that it was a rare and honorable experience to witness a professional Huangmei Opera troupe and actors perform live. A Professor from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University shared his experience: "This was my first exposure to Huangmei Opera. From the costumes and dance to the refined plot and accessories, every detail was admirable. The actors performed with poise, accurately conveying emotions across different scenarios, which made me deeply fall in love with this art form."

After the performance, Wang Chenchen, a young actor from the Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Art Theater, said, "It is the responsibility and aspiration of our generation of actors to inherit the classics and revive the brilliance of the 'Three Masterpieces' of Huangmei Opera." Huangmei Opera artist Han Zaifen remarked with emotion, "Bringing Huangmei Opera to Hong Kong has reawakened the audience's innate love and attention for this art form, which I find particularly meaningful."

On the evening of the 11th, the classic Huangmei Opera "Female Consort Prince" was performed, starring Han Zaifen. Building on the traditional 1958 original version, Han Zaifen has integrated elements from drama, film, and television into her performance, breathing new life into this classic piece.

Source: anhuinews.com

             Department of Culture and Tourism of Anhui Province 

             Anqing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism