On the evening of February 5th, the third round of the NCPA opera commission LAN Huahua opened at the Opera House. As an epic Eastern love story rooted in Xintianyou from Northern Shaanxi, it once again captivated the audience with its breathtaking musical and theatrical power.
After the previous two rounds of successful performances with ten years of refinement, the opera, acclaimed for its fusion of Chinese and Western dramatic stage art, returns to the stage. Under the meticulous direction of CHEN Xinyi, the stage is transformed into a vivid landscape of the Loess Plateau, with a massive rotating platform as the core of time, space, and emotion.
Each side of this rotating platform conveys different moods: one side depicts love and hope, in a moonlit field where LAN Huahua and Luotuozi secretly meet, while the other side shifts to oppression and coldness, in the hall of the ZHOU family and the caves, symbolizing the invisible cage of feudal ethical codes.
As the protagonist of the opera, LI Xintong’s portrayal of LAN Huahua breaks free from the stereotype of “tragic woman”. In her performance, tenderness and strength coexist, which is exactly the spirits of the land as emphasized by the director.
GUAN Zhijing as Squire ZHOU, goes beyond a simplistic villain, revealing a complex character torn between repressive feudal dogma and inner desire. His deep, layered voice conveys both the authority of power and the cowardice and collapse hidden beneath his façade.
KOU Jing’s role as the shepherd Ganyang is one of the most tragic and humane characters in the opera. KOU Jing’s heartfelt performance captures the character’s transformation from ignorance to self-respect, earning deep sympathy and admiration from the audience.
The role of Luotuozi, sung by WANG Chong, is the symbol of true love and freedom, serving as the foundation of LAN Huahua’s resistance and her dreams. His duet with LI Xintong, “The Round Moon Hangs in the Sky,” provides a poignant moment in the tragedy.
WANG Hexiang, in the role of LAN Huahua’s father, vividly brings to life a farmer torn between traditional customs and paternal love. His performance accurately captures the character’s weakness, helplessness, and ultimate rage, making him a tragic representation of the enforcer of patriarchy in feudal society. HAO Miao’s role as the matchmaker adds a touch of humour to the otherwise heavy story, using her witty performance to contrast with the seriousness of the plot.
The China NCPA Chorus’ transitions from a group of gossiping villagers, creating a stifling atmosphere, to the silent masses of the Loess Plateau. Under the baton of XU Zhong, the China NCPA Orchestra brings composer ZHANG Qianyi’s fusion of Shaanxi folk music and symphony to life.
This round will continue until February 8th. On 6th, a new cast will take the stage, featuring YANG Qi as LAN Huahua, YANG Yi as Squire ZHOU, WANG Chuan as Ganyang, ZHANG Yang as LAN Huahua’s Father and FU Qian as the Matchmaker. The “LAN Huahua,” a flower blooming from the Loess Plateau, will continue to blossom with the eternal brilliance of human nature.
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