Young performers carry centuries-old Huiju Opera into tomorrow

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."