When seven-year-old Chang Qiuyue first glimpsed the crimson silks of Hong Niang (The Matchmaker) costumes, she dubbed them Auntie Red &-- an innocent label masking a life-changing revelation.
They were so lovely, and I dreamed of ending up being that radiant figure, Chang, a National First-Class Actress, told CGTN, remembering her youth encounter with Peking Opera costumes.Her journey into the art type began pragmatically.
Her daddy, an amateur performer, registered her in opera school to reinforce her health.
What started as healing training quickly fired up a creative devotion that now fuels Peking Operas modern development.
Assigned to grueling martial Daoma Dan roles to build endurance, Chang slowly discovered her artistic identity in the Xun Schools lyrical sophistication.
Xun-style singing feels like spring &-- lighter, more elegant and fluid compared to other schools, she discusses, referencing the schools singing techniques and music.
Despite her grandmas protests, the shy woman transformed into strong Hua Dan roles through intense training.
This duality &-- physical rigor meeting creative refinement &-- shaped her method to Chinas 200-year-old treasure.Balancing custom and modernityAs an entertainer of Xun School classics like Hong Niang, where 7 rapid outfit modifications earned her the nickname Sister Rainbow, Chang reimagines custom through modern lenses.
Her designs mix historic silhouettes with Morandis soft schemes, producing aesthetically striking ensembles that bridge tradition with contemporary audiences.Yet market realities temper creative impulses.
Chang confesses a much deeper affinity for awful functions.
Tragic characters have profound depth, she says.
But pleasant heroines sell tickets.
In addition to preserving and innovating traditional Peking Opera, Chang explores new themes and subjects through modern-day compositions.
She has handled functions that show contemporary societys experiences and challenges, expanding the art types relevance.Reviving forgotten playsChang is also committed to reviving forgotten Xun operas, such as Dan Qing Yin, rebuilded from crumbling scripts.
These annual projects challenge both the artist and the audience.
These lesser-known works are hardly ever carried out, however when they are, audiences often state, The play is extraordinary! Why has no one performed it before? Chang notes, highlighting the resources and dedication required for such revivals.Changs devotion is deeply inspired by her coach, Sun Yumin, whose vigorous commitment serves as a continuous reminder of the legacy she intends to leave.
My teacher worked like every day was her last, Chang shows.
Now I ask: What legacy will I leave? For Chang Qiuyue, the answer lies in her efforts to bridge centuries &-- whether through supporting young actors, reinventing traditional outfits, or capturing the timeless charm of Peking Opera for the digital age.(Cover: Peking Opera actress Chang Qiuyue./ thanks to Chang Qiuyue) Narrator: Yang YanReporters: Chen Chen, Zhong XiaText by Zhong XiaVideo editor: Zhong XiaVideographers: Gao Peng, Wang ZekuiCover designer: Liu ShaozhenXu Wen, Chen contributed to video post-production.