From September 8th to 12th, during the 2025 "Hong Kong · Anhui Huangmei Opera Culture Week," Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Art Theatre presented its classic plays "The Story of a Silk Handkerchief" and "Female Princess Consort" to audiences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"The Story of a Silk Handkerchief" is a traditional Huangmei opera repertoire piece, renowned alongside "Marriage of the Fairy Princess" and "Female Princess Consort" as the "Three Masterpieces" of Huangmei opera. It made its debut on the Hong Kong stage on the evening of September 10th. 

"Female Princess Consort", the most frequently performed classic in the Huangmei opera repertoire, was staged once again in Hong Kong on the evening of September 11th. The performance was led by Han Zaifen, Vice President of the China Theatre Association and a renowned Huangmei opera performing artist. The opera was first created and performed by the Anhui Anqing Prefecture Huangmei Opera Troupe (the predecessor of the Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Art Theatre). Over sixty years later, it continues to be beloved by audiences. Its legendary plot, exquisite acting, and beautiful melodies deeply resonate with public aesthetics and emotional sensibilities, making it an enduring "signature piece" in the Huangmei opera tradition.

Beyond the spectacular stage performances, this cultural exchange features a rich array of traditional opera activities. On the afternoon of September 9, Han Zaifen delivered a lecture titled "A Century of Huangmei Opera: From Tradition to Modernity" at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The session explored themes such as "The Ever-Youthful Huangmei Opera," "Han Zaifen's Work in Huangmei Opera Stage Productions and Film/TV Adaptations," and "The Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Art Theatre & The Current Artistic Ecosystem of Huangmei Opera in Anqing, Anhui." Additionally, outstanding young performers Wang Zexi, Wang Chenchen, Xie Jun, and Zhang Min presented classic Huangmei opera excerpts. The event also invited students from the Academy who are passionate about traditional Chinese opera to participate in an interactive Huangmei opera experience, with guidance from young artists on traditional movements and gestures.

Reflecting on November 2024, the Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Art Theatre garnered enthusiastic responses during its Hong Kong tour with "Marriage of the Fairy Princess" and "Female Princess Consort". In 2025, the troupe has expanded its reach, performing across Anqing, Hefei, Macao, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Frankfurt, Germany. Driven by profound dedication, each performance showcases the unique charm of Huangmei opera to global audiences. 

The 2025 "Hong Kong · Anhui Huangmei Opera Culture Week" offers diverse programs including an opening ceremony, campus lectures, community and institutional outreach, and staged performances—all designed to present the artistic appeal of Huangmei opera through multiple dimensions. The event has been incorporated into the 2025 "Traditional Culture Resonates in Hong Kong" Cultural Performance Season.

Source: anhuinews.com