The ethnic opera “Liu Liuzhou” was performed in Shanghai on the evening of the 17th. With exquisite artistic expression and profound humanistic care, the opera brought Liu Zongyuan’s people-oriented philosophy of “officials serving the people” and “benefiting all” to the banks of the Huangpu River, creating a spiritual dialogue spanning a thousand years.

“Liu Liuzhou” innovatively blends Central Plains Tang poetry and folk songs with Guangxi ethnic mountain songs. The arias cleverly incorporate Liu Zongyuan’s classic verses such as “An old man in a lonely boat, fishing alone in the cold river snow,” showcasing an artistic charm that appeals to both refined and popular tastes and an emotional power that resonates deeply. Musically, it recreates the solemnity and simplicity of Central Plains elegant music while integrating Guangxi folk tones, creating an artistic tension that spans time and space through the collision of tradition and modernity. In terms of stage visuals, poetic scenery and multimedia interactions skillfully reconstruct Guangxi’s landscapes and the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, immersing the audience in Liu Zongyuan’s spiritual world and embarking on a cultural journey from the depths of history to the modern soul.

To stay true to historical authenticity, the lead performer delved deeply into Liu Zongyuan’s poetry and historical materials, meticulously studying the character’s spiritual core from daily mannerisms to emotional expression, ultimately successfully portraying a Liu Zongyuan on stage who is “strong-willed, warm-hearted, and deeply compassionate.” Classic scenes such as “establishing schools and freeing slaves” and “digging wells and planting willows” not only vividly再现 the political achievements of a literary master benefiting the people but also reflect the profound respect and understanding of local historical figures by Guangxi’s artistic workers. The sincerity of “hometown people performing hometown sages” became the most touching cultural foundation of the entire opera.

The ethnic opera “Liu Liuzhou” is staged by the Guangxi Song and Dance Theatre, with participation from the Guangxi Symphony Orchestra, Guangxi Acrobatic Troupe, and Guangxi Arts Institute. After the Shanghai performance, the opera will go to Hangzhou to participate in the 19th China Theatre Festival and then to Chongqing for the 14th China Art Festival.

Liu Liuzhou

I am unable to identify a significant cultural or historical site specifically named “Liu Liuzhou.” This may be a misspelling or a reference to a less commonly documented location. If you could provide more details or clarify the name, I would be happy to help.

Huangpu River

The Huangpu River is a 113-kilometer-long river flowing through Shanghai, historically serving as the city’s main commercial artery and dividing it into Pudong and Puxi. Its banks showcase Shanghai’s dramatic development, from the colonial-era architecture of The Bund on the west bank to the modern skyscrapers of the Lujiazui financial district in Pudong on the east.

Tang poetry

Tang poetry refers to the classical Chinese verse composed during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), which is widely regarded as the golden age of Chinese poetry. It is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and diverse themes, ranging from nature and friendship to social commentary and philosophical reflection. Influential poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei helped establish enduring artistic standards that continue to shape Chinese literary culture.

Guangxi ethnic mountain songs

Guangxi ethnic mountain songs are a traditional folk music genre of the Zhuang and other minority groups in southern China, historically used for social communication, courtship, and storytelling. These improvised a cappella songs, often performed in antiphonal style between men and women, date back centuries and reflect the region’s agricultural lifestyle and natural landscape. The practice was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 for its cultural significance.

Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty was a golden age of Chinese civilization that ruled from 618 to 907 AD, renowned for its unprecedented cultural flourishing, economic prosperity, and military strength. Its capital, Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an), was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world, serving as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. This era is celebrated for its monumental poetry, advancements in art, and a legacy of openness to foreign ideas and trade.

Guangxi Song and Dance Theatre

The Guangxi Song and Dance Theatre is a prominent performing arts institution in Nanning, China, established to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is renowned for its vibrant performances that incorporate the traditional music, dance, and costumes of the local Zhuang and other ethnic minority groups. The theatre plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the unique intangible cultural heritage of southern China.

Guangxi Symphony Orchestra

The Guangxi Symphony Orchestra is a prominent regional orchestra in China, established in 1996. It is dedicated to performing classical Western and traditional Chinese music, often incorporating elements from the diverse ethnic cultures of Guangxi. The orchestra plays a significant role in promoting symphonic music and cultural exchange in southern China.

Guangxi Acrobatic Troupe

The Guangxi Acrobatic Troupe is a prestigious Chinese performance group founded in 1958, renowned for its mastery of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts. It is celebrated for combining these ancient skills with modern theatrical elements, dance, and storytelling. The troupe has a long history of international acclaim, frequently touring worldwide to showcase this unique cultural heritage.