As one of the activities of "Meet in Beijing" Arts Festival, Henan Opera "Cixi and Imperial Consort Zhen", which was also an important performance of Cross-Strait Art Week, was shown on the staged of Beijing Chang'an Grand Theater on June 14.
An Introduction to the Henan Opera Troupe
The Henan Opera originated in Henan, China, and was introduced to Taiwan in 1953 due to the war. At that time, the Flying Horse Henan Opera Troupe was founded at Zuoying in southern Taiwan and consisted of actors and actresses with military status. The major task of the troupe was to entertain the armed forces, and it won great popularity among the officers and soldiers in the armies.
As time went by, its mission in the military was accomplished. In 1996, the troupe was transferred to the Ministry of Education and was affiliated with the National Guoguang Opera Company. It was also renamed as The Henan Opera Troupe of the National Guoguang Opera Company. It continued to strive for enhancing the Central Plains culture and passing on the tradition of Henan Opera. It was also an opportune moment for the troupe to exhibit its art on the international stage.
The Henan Opera Troupe has received frequent invitations to perform overseas, visiting the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, France and Italy. It has also performed in Beijing and Henan three times. Each year, it produces one or two grand plays and presents them at first-class theaters, such as the National Theater. In order to help youngsters understand the beauty of traditional opera, three Henan operas for children: "Zhu Bajie Nosing Cobweb Hole," "Sea Palace Adventure" and "Where the Money Goes?" as well as one for adolescents: "Sanguo Video Games," were produced. These operas have been widely appreciated by audiences of all ages and consequently, have promoted the art of Henan opera in every corner and at every level. On average, there are more than 140 performances each year.
About Performers
Wang Hailing was born in Huangpo, Hubei Province. Since she was 8 years old, she attended the student class in the Navy Marine Corps's "Flying Horse Henan Opera Troupe" and became the first-year student who was called "Hai" in her name. Initiated by Zhang Xiuyun, the great master of Henan Opera, she started her long but brilliant performance days in Henan Opera Troupe. When she was 14 years old, she took on the role "Hua Mulan." Because she was talented in performing politely and martial arts, her performances in the Contests of Military Literature and Art Awards were impressive. As she grew older, her skills matured. When she graduated at age 16, she won high praises from fans because of her debut Li Yasien. At the age of 17, she was awarded the Medal of Traditional Opera Performance by the ROC Literary Association. She was the youngest prizewinner in history. At the age of 18, she was elected to be the model of Artist. At the age of 33, she was honored with the title of "Henan Opera Queen."
