Ancient art form captivates the world

In Jinhua, Zhejiang province, the walls of the Zhejiang Wuju Opera Art Research Institute (Zhejiang Wuju Opera Troupe) hum with a quiet energy. It's a place where five centuries of tradition are not resting in silence, but being reborn, reaching for global stages with a vibrant, new voice.

Also known as Jinhua Opera, Wuju Opera is a traditional theater art known for its intricate costumes, expressive makeup and powerful storytelling, and was listed as an item of national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

The troupe has transcended its local origins in Jinhua, anciently known as Wuzhou, to become a beacon of Chinese cultural heritage on the global stage. Since making its first international appearance in 1993 when it was invited to perform in Tochigi, Japan, it has captured the hearts of audiences across more than 70 countries and regions, presenting the rich tapestry of a time-honored art form.

The troupe is leveraging drone technology and symphonic music to expand its international reach, as its provincial troupe charts a global touring schedule rivaling major concert acts. The touring schedule for this year has been intensive, with January performances in Canada, Chile and Bangladesh. In April, the troupe traveled to Hungary and Austria, followed by a tour of Indonesia, South Africa and Democratic Republic of the Congo in September.

Its performers are using modern technology to make the ancient art accessible to young and international audiences. In a classic scene, the troupe uses a drone to represent a bee, creating a dynamic effect that traditional stagecraft couldn't achieve.

Besides drones, the troupe's technical upgrades include using naked-eye 3D projections to recreate mythical landscapes, and livestreaming performances to attract global viewers online. Musically, composers have integrated Western orchestral instruments with traditional Chinese ones. They also leverage livestreaming, pulling back the curtain for a global audience and making the ancient art instantly accessible.

For the performers in the troupe, Wuju Opera is a living and evolving art form, in which the story and the spectacle can transcend language and culture. Through initiatives like Wuju Opera on Campus and its overseas concerts, the art is no longer confined to a region, but weaving itself into the daily fabric of a worldwide audience. By staying true to its roots while embracing innovation, the troupe conveys the spiritual value of Chinese culture in an artistic way, according to Chen Meilan, head of the Zhejiang Wuju Opera Promotion Association.

Photos by GENG FEIFEI in Jinhua, Zhejiang