INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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
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.
