When Snuff Bottles saved Quju Opera
Updated: 2015-09-16 15:04
By Chen Nan(chinadaily.com.cn)
|
|||||||||
A scene from Snuff Bottles. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] |
Twenty years ago, when composer Dai Yisheng, along with scriptwriter Zhang Yonghe and director Gu Wei, created Snuff Bottles, a Quju Opera work produced by Beijing Quju Opera Troupe, she didn't expect that the show would save Quju Opera, a local operatic form developed in the 1950s in Beijing, from extinction.
The show also saved the troupe, which was on the verge of being disbanded.
Recently, the show has celebrated its 20th anniversary and a new round of performances was staged in Beijing.
"Before Snuff Bottles was born, we hadn't done new shows for five years. All my colleagues were worried about the future of our troupe," recalls Dai, 73.
"We were so devoted to Quju Opera and we didn't want it to die," says the veteran composer, who had been with Beijing Quju Opera Troupe since 1972 and is now retired.
To Dai's surprise, the show, Snuff Bottles, which was performed in the Beijing dialect to the accompaniment of sanxian, a three-stringed plucked musical instrument, and rhythmic drumbeats, enabled Quju Opera and the troupe to make a comeback to the theaters in Beijing.
Based on a novel of the same title by Deng Yongmei, the show tells of the miserable life of a skilled craftsman, who would rather cut off one of his arms than make a snuff bottle bearing the image of a foreign invader for a traitor of the Qing imperial lineage.
- UN chief: Those blocking fleeing refugees should 'stand in their shoes'
- Hungarian riot police detain migrants
- IOC announces five cities bid for 2024 summer Olympic
- Japan opposition to halt vote on security bills
- Japan protesters rally as security bills near passage
- Australia launches first air strikes against IS
- Across America over the week (Sept 12-18)
- House showcasing Sino-American friendship open
- Top 10 M&A deals between China and US in 2015
- Messy dorm earns grueling punishinment for students
- Seven killed in landslide in SW China
- Chinese forces arrive in Malaysia for military exercise
- Top 10 M&A deals between China and US in 2015
- Delicious bites in record-breaking sizes
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
8 highlights about V-day Parade |
Glimpses of Tibet: Plateaus, people and faith |
Chinese entrepreneurs remain optimistic despite economic downfall |
50th anniversary of Tibet autonomous region |
Tianjin explosions: Deaths, destruction and bravery |
Cinemas enjoy strong first half |
Today's Top News
President stresses Sino-US harmony
LA-Las Vegas link gets help
US CEOs give nod to BIT
Economy worries prompt Fed to hold rates steady
Google demos online marketing strategies to support Chinese SMEs
The ancient city takes a new route along the Silk Road
Villagers angry at verdict on fatal fire
Promoting the landscapes of China
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |