On October 19, 2023, we had the pleasure of attending the special performance titled “In Love with the Stage: The Journey of Chen Yunhong’s 40 Years in Cantonese Opera” at the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Art Center. The event, which took place over two nights, celebrated the illustrious career of renowned Cantonese opera artist and China Theater Plum Blossom Award winner, Chen Yunhong. The performances offered the audience an insight into the rich tradition and continuity of Cantonese opera.
The event showcased a collection of seven classic representative works from Chen Yunhong’s extensive repertoire. It was meticulously curated to reflect her artistic journey while also highlighting the emerging talents in the Cantonese opera scene. The Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Troupe, under the artistic direction of Ding Fan, another esteemed performer and Plum Blossom Award recipient, presented the show with support from young director and scriptwriter Hu Jiawei. The lineup included prominent figures in Cantonese opera, such as actors Peng Zhiquan, Ding Fan, Ou Kaiming, Li Junsheng, and Jiang Wendu, along with national first-class performers and Chen Yunhong’s disciples.
One of the evening’s highlights was the performance of “The Loyal Sword” featuring Chen Yunhong and Ou Kaiming. Chen reflected on how her mentor, Chen Xiaohan, personally guided her through this piece, emphasizing the emotional depth of its music and storytelling. Each interpretation of “The Loyal Sword” has shifted with her age and experience, resulting in a more mature and nuanced performance in this special showcase.
In another memorable segment, Chen combined forces with Jiang Wendu in “Lü Zhi and Qi Ji,” a rare “double-dan” piece in Cantonese opera. Chen took on the complex role of Lü Zhi, known for her ruthless character as an empress, and through her fresh approach, offered a multidimensional and dramatic portrayal that captivated the audience.
Additionally, the performance featured “Soul of Pearl Alley,” a critically acclaimed work that significantly marked Chen Yunhong’s career since its debut in 1990. This production has received numerous national and provincial honors, earning Chen the Wenhua Individual Performance Award. In this special performance, Ding Fan partnered with Chen Yunhong’s disciple, Li Wenjie, for an impressive rendition of a segment from “Soul of Pearl Alley.”
Classic works such as “Xuan Wang and Unmatched Beauty,” “The Watchtower,” “The Legend of Lun Wenzhu,” and “Night Capture of Wang Kui” were also featured throughout the event, offering attendees a remarkable feast of Cantonese opera art. This celebration not only honored Chen Yunhong’s artistic achievements but also shone a light on the vibrant future of Cantonese opera through its new generation of talent.
