During a recent interview, local theater enthusiast Xiao Long shared her unexpected insights after attending the premiere of the original Yue Opera epic, “Dare to be Brave for a Thousand Autumns.” “I was truly amazed by how the delicate beauty of Yue Opera could convey such an epic and profound narrative,” she said. “In just one performance, it intricately weaves together the stories of over ten significant historical figures from Shaoxing, all interconnected in a remarkably innovative way.” She expressed her excitement for future performances.
The premiere occurred on the evening of October 7 at the Shaoxing Grand Theatre in Zhejiang, showcasing legendary figures such as Fan Zhongyan, Xie Daoyun, Yao Qisheng, Wang Yangming, Lu Xun, and Qiu Jin, who collectively embody the enduring “Dare to be Brave spirit.” After debuting in Shaoxing, the production is scheduled to perform at the National Grand Theatre and will embark on a national tour.
Shaoxing is known as the site where King Goujian of Yue faced hardships and ultimately sought revenge, giving rise to the “Dare to be Brave spirit.” Over the past millennium, this spirit has evolved, now symbolizing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In the production, each scene is both interrelated and self-contained. Guided by four prominent figures—referred to as the “Shaoxing Masters” in law, military, documentation, and finance—the narrative effectively bridges the past and present.
For instance, the story of Fan Zhongyan and “Qingbai Spring” emphasizes his unwavering commitment to governance and integrity, while the tale of Xu Wei and the Flower Goddess shifts idealistic views of literary figures into a more concrete reality. Furthermore, cross-temporal dialogues among Lu Xun, Wang Yangming, and other historical figures present varied perspectives. Throughout the performance, the traditionally graceful Yue Opera transforms into an epic narrative with profound historical significance, vividly showcasing the “Dare to be Brave spirit” that has been fostered and passed down through generations.
The production is spearheaded by four Plum Blossom Award winners—Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying, Chen Fei, and Zhang Lin—complemented by nine national first-class actors and six generations of performers from the Shaoxing Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe. It creatively incorporates elements from 11 different singing styles, including the Fan, Fu, Yin, and Xu schools of Yue Opera.
Director Lu Ang remarked on the show’s innovative approach. “Not only do we highlight different styles, but we also integrated an orchestra and modern music, along with elements of dance and martial arts, transforming the traditional opera stage. Based on the audience’s enthusiastic response during the premiere, it seems they embraced this innovative expression.”
The aim of this production goes beyond merely showcasing cultural richness; it strives to promote the “Dare to be Brave spirit.” This collaborative effort between the Arts Development Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People’s Government of Shaoxing’s Keqiao District represents a new exploration of “central-local cooperation.”
Chen Hao, the Party Secretary of Keqiao District, emphasized the importance of this production in artistically promoting the “Dare to be Brave spirit.” “Our goal is to make ‘Dare to be Brave for a Thousand Autumns’ a dynamic medium for perpetuating this spirit and a model for the creative transformation and innovative advancement of traditional Chinese culture,” he stated.