National Hero, v. 2.0
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A new adaptation of the Peking Opera Man Jiang Hong (literally Entire River Red) is set to debut to a sold out audience Tuesday at the National Center for the Performing Arts, kicking off a one-month festival of 32 classic stage works by nine national performance art troupes at different venues across Beijing.
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Yu Kuizhi (center) as Yue Fei and cast from Man Jiang Hong. [Global Times] |
As the opening show of the festival, the China National Peking Opera Company (CNPOC) production will present opera fans with a fresh new look at Man Jiang Hong's main character Yue Fei, hero of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and symbol of loyalty to one's country in Chinese culture.
Yue (1103-1142) was a general who volunteered to fight against the Jurchen invaders of the Jin Empire (1115-1234) and recover the northern lands they occupied. While Yue attempted to drive the Jin troops out, Qin Hui, the favored yet treacherous minister of the imperial court, grew jealous of his achievements. He convinced the emperor to order Yue's troops to withdraw and deprive him of his military power. Qin then falsely accused Yue of crimes, for which he was executed at the age of 39.
According to director Sun Guiyuan, the original work, written in the 1960s, concentrates on the conflict between Yue and Qin. Though the adapted work still has eight acts, it includes subplots between Yue and his wife to delve into his personality and give the work a new twist.
"Yue is often portrayed as a loyalist. In the new work, we will underscore Yue's integrity, his patriotism and his affection towards the common people," Sun told the Global Times.
The adaptation not only broadens the story of Yue, but updates the production for modern audiences. The new version presents new musical arrangements, costume stage design that hopefully will help a new generation appreciate the traditional art form, explained Sun.
Yu Kuizhi, a renowned laosheng actor, specializing in the roles of elderly or middle-aged characters in Peking Opera, will take on the part of Yue for the first time in a decade.
"We added emotional exchanges between Yue Fei and his wife, along with call and response style singing that is popular among audiences," said Yu, who is also vice president and art director of the CNPOC.
"For example, Yue Fei and Qin Hui sing duets, which highlight their conflict. There are also emotional arias between Yue and his wife. Though the opera has been adapted, we want the audience to hear music familiar to them also," Yu explained. "In addition, we also expand on other supporting characters, making them all come alive."
According to Yu, the music is a highlight of the adaptation, as the production includes over 20 musicians, some of whom will play an array of western instruments, from cello to tympani. "In the past we only used traditional musical instruments to accompany the opera. This time we invited a folk music group and musicians playing Western musical instruments together. With this combination we can create a better atmosphere for the new work."
"For example, during moments of nobility, bitterness or resentment, the atmosphere created by the music can further draw audiences into the scene. Meanwhile, we can infuse more vigor into the acting and refresh the audience," he explained.
Though the new version has included such new elements, Sun is confident that audiences will enjoy the changes his company has made.
"Nowadays audiences have a different perspective on Peking Opera. In the past they came to theaters mainly to see the leading roles and the most famous actors. Now they appreciate the play as a whole, including lighting, set design and music. Appreciation for the art form has reached a new level."
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