Drama tells tale of Qinqiang Opera star

A highly anticipated television drama executive-produced by filmmaker Zhang Yimou will premiere on China Central Television's CCTV-1 and streaming site Tencent Video on Sunday.

Zhu Jue (Leading Role) is a series directed by Li Shaofei, who unveiled a music video for its theme song on Thursday, performed by Faye Wong, alongside the series poster featuring the major cast members, including lead actress Liu Haocun and veteran actor Zhang Jiayi.

Adapted from Shaanxi writer Chen Yan's award-winning novel of the same title, the drama traces more than four decades in the life of Qin Yi'e, a renowned performer of Qinqiang Opera. The original novel won the 10th Mao Dun Literature Prize, one of China's most prestigious literary honors.

At the center of the story is Qinqiang, one of China's oldest and most vigorous forms of traditional opera. Originating in Shaanxi, the art form is known for its piercing vocals, emotionally charged performances and thunderous percussion. Through Qin's personal journey, the series also reflects the transformations of Chinese society against the backdrop of reform and opening-up.

Liu, who rose to prominence after starring in the 2020 film, One Second directed by Zhang Yimou, takes on the role of Qin, who transforms from a resilient rural shepherd into a Qinqiang Opera star. Zhang Jiayi portrays Hu Sanyuan, Qin's uncle and mentor, whose influence shapes both her artistic career and personal life.

In an effort to faithfully re-create the texture and atmosphere of the original novel, the production filmed more than 60 percent of its scenes on location. The series brings to life adobe homes on the Loess Plateau, a county opera troupe's compound, and a section of ancient walls where artists practice their vocal exercises.

Scenes depicting bustling alleyway life and decades-old opera stages further ground the drama in Shaanxi's cultural landscape. Adding to its realism, much of the dialogue is delivered in the Shaanxi dialect, reinforcing the story's strong regional identity and immersive sense of place.