From Zhuhai to the World: “Qiaopi” Opera Showcases Chinese Cultural Diversity and Global Influence
By Sunlei,Hong Kong Economic Herald,in Shenzhen
To promote and extol the cultural values and spirit of honesty, integrity, hard work, courage in pioneering, and devotion to one’s roots encapsulated in “Qiaopi,” and to significantly enhance the influence and appeal of overseas Chinese culture, a press conference was held on April 24 in Shenzhen to announce the “Qiaopi: Journey of Ten Thousand Miles” tour. This event was guided by the China Overseas Chinese Federation and the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Federation, organized by the Publicity Department of the Zhuhai Municipal Committee and the Zhuhai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and executed by the Zhuhai Performing Arts Group.
The press conference featured the presence of Guo Qihua, Deputy Minister of the Cultural Exchange Department of the China Overseas Chinese Federation. Also in attendance were Lin Kefeng, a senior inspector of the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Federation; Min Yuntong, Executive Deputy Minister of the Publicity Department of the Zhuhai Municipal Committee; Zhang Lili, member of the Party Group and Vice Chairman of the Zhuhai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese; Chen Weian, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Zou Jianhong, General Manager of the Zhuhai Performing Arts Group. They provided an overview and responded to media inquiries.
“Qiaopi,” a key cultural project of Guangdong province and Zhuhai’s first original national opera, is produced under the guidance of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. It features a distinguished creative team including composer Meng Weidong, playwright Wang Yong, directors Liao Xianghong and Deng Yijiang, and conductors Zhu Man and Fan Jie, with performances by leading domestic artists such as singers Lü Wei, Li Yang, Li Bufan, and Dong Bin. Set against the backdrop of Tangjiawan in Zhuhai, the opera delves into the unique “Qiaopi” culture of the Lingnan region, weaving a profound historical narrative on stage that tells of the overseas Chinese renowned for their reliability and commitment.
Since its premiere at the 2nd Zhuhai Arts Festival in October 2022, the opera “Qiaopi” has been staged in cities such as Beijing, Chongqing, Macau, Hangzhou, Urumqi, Guangzhou, and Zhongshan, eliciting deep emotional responses from audiences. It has been selected for the National Culture and Tourism Ministry’s 2022–2023 “Chinese National Opera Heritage and Development Project” and has received various national and provincial awards, including the Outstanding Opera Award at the 5th China Opera Festival and the First Prize at the 15th Guangdong Arts Festival. The opera has also featured on significant cultural platforms such as the “Outstanding Stage Art Works Exhibition of the New Era” and Macau’s “Spring of Haojiang.”
At the press conference, Min Yuntong outlined the touring schedule, noting that from April 24 to May 15, the opera will visit key diaspora cities such as Shenzhen, Shantou, Xiamen, Ningbo, and Dongguan. Associated activities, tailored to each location, will include a concert version of “Qiaopi” at Ningbo University and visits to the Shantou Overseas Chinese Museum and Ningbo Commerce Museum, aimed at enhancing the cultural impact and resonance of overseas Chinese heritage.
Zou Jianhong, General Manager of Zhuhai Performing Arts Group, elaborated on the preparations for the tour and the opera’s creative process. The creative team, after extensive research and multiple revisions, has focused on authentically representing the protagonists’ inner worlds. With each performance, they carefully consider audience and expert feedback to refine the opera, aiming to create a lasting and influential work. Zou hopes that the tour will attract more domestic and overseas Chinese to theaters, using art as a bridge to convey the warmth and affinity of the motherland.
According to the touring schedule, the opera “Qiaopi” will debut at the Shenzhen Poly Theater on April 24, followed by performances at the Shantou Lin Baixin International Conference Exhibition Center on April 28, the Xiamen Jia Geng Theater on May 2, the Ningbo Grand Theater on May 6, and the Dongguan Yulan Grand Theater on May 15, bringing this heartfelt family letter across mountains and seas to audiences in each diaspora city.