Originated in Zhejiang, Yue opera is renowned for its graceful singing, lyrical melodies and refined elegance. Celebrating the 120th anniversary of the art form, the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe opens this year's Festival with its acclaimed original production My Grand View Garden.
Inspired by the literary masterpiece A Dream of Red Mansions, the story follows an ageing Jia Baoyu as he returns to the Grand View Garden with the heart of his younger self, reliving the dreams and sorrows of a lifetime. Through a contemporary, non-linear narrative, the production reimagines this classic using stagecraft inspired by the ever-changing vistas of classical gardens. Music by Liu Jiankuan, Peter Kam and Qi Feng brings in fresh vitality to the expressive tradition of Yue opera, while award-winning star Chen Lijun delivers a compelling performance as Jia Baoyu, a role that earned her China's prestigious Wenhua Performance Award.
'Beneath a blanket of snow, new life awaits the coming of spring'. Let this story's lyrical beauty lead you into the Grand View Garden and rediscover the timeless splendour of youth.
Playwright: Luo Huaizhen
Director: Xu Jun
Vocal Direction: Liu Jiankuan
Composer: Peter Kam
Starring: Chen Lijun
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, without interval
Performed in regional languages, with surtitles in Chinese and English
Grand Opening My Grand View Garden – Yue Opera