Wuxi’s first national opera strives for perfection

Wuxi's first national opera the Second Spring will be staged during the third China Opera Festival in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu province from Jan 5-6. [Photo/jscnt.gov.cn]

The national opera 'the Second Spring' will be staged during the third China Opera Festival in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu province from Jan 5-6.

The Second Spring tells the story of Ah Bing, a folk artist from Wuxi, who earned a living by playing music in the streets, while struggling with poverty and darkness for several decades.

Named after Ah Bing's representative the Moon over a Fountain, the national opera has been supported by the government since 2015. Established 20 years ago, it is the first national opera in Jiangsu province.

Adding contemporary opera to traditional national opera, the Second Spring engages audiences through a contemporary erhu player's view.

Wang Hongwei bursts into a rousing rendition of Ah Bing. [Photo/jscnt.gov.cn]

Comprising mostly members from Wuxi opera and dance troupe, the performers will combine national opera with Wuxi's characteristics to show personality and the psychology of the protagonist. The show has attracted famous tenor Wang Hongwei to play the leading role as Ah Bing.

This is a great challenge for Wang, who will perform as a blind man and sing over 20 arias with vivid expressions showcasing the tough life of Ah Bing.

Members from Wuxi opera and dance troupe practice earnestly to combine national opera with Wuxi's characteristics. [Photo/WeChat jsswht]

With the help of famous Chinese writer Ren Weixin and national first-grade director Huang Dingshan, the opera forms a cyclic construction and an alternating rhythm of narration which closely hinge on the theme.

With two-month preparation after its first show in Nanjing, the Second Spring now stresses its story in the times of new China, when Ah Bing's music and talent spread all over the country.

The Second Spring is scheduled to be staged at the National Center for the Performing Arts in March to kickstart its national tour in 2018.