Synopsis:
The performance opens with the mythological romance of Zhong Kui Marrying His Sister, where flame-spouting rituals and shapeshifting choreography create an enchanting atmosphere. The poignant drama The Fourth Son Visits His Mother follows, unveiling heart-wrenching emotions through the rhythmic head-swinging (Shaozi Gong) technique. Other highlights include Praying for Justice from Sea God Temple, a haunting tale of betrayal and hallucination expressed through flowing water-sleeve dances, and Lin Chong’s Night Run, a gripping escape scene that demands both acrobatic skill and vocal precision. This captivating gala performance immerses audiences in the vibrant world of Shanxi Jinju Opera, a national intangible cultural heritage renowned for its soul-stirring vocals, intricate costumes, and dynamic stage techniques. The program features nine iconic episodes from both classic and contemporary Jinju repertoire, each showcasing the genre's rich cultural legacy.
About the Team Leader:
Tao Chen, National First-Class Performance Supervisor and Chairman of the Taiyuan Theatre Association, has dedicated over 45 years to advancing Jinju (Opera). As a former Director of the Taiyuan Experimental Jinju Youth Troupe and Vice President of the Taiyuan Experimental Jinju Theatre, he modernized traditional opera through contemporary aesthetics.
He has produced 50+ acclaimed works, including Fu Shan's Imperial Audience (87 honors, listed among China's Top 10 Stage Art Classics), Yu Chenglong, and Fan Zhongju's Success. His productions have toured three continents, expanding Jinju’s global presence. Honored with the Best Producer award at the National Theatre Culture Awards and recognized as an Outstanding Art Creator, Tao Chen has pioneered youth development programs to ensure Jinju's future. His visionary leadership continues to drive the innovative transformation of Chinese traditional opera on both national and international stages.
Team Leader's Note:
Jin Opera Gala: A Timeless Journey Through Chinese Tradition
This curated performance presents nine iconic Jinju excerpts, blending mythical legends, history, and folklore to highlight the genre’s unique artistry. Zhong Kui Marries Off His Sister stuns with fire-spitting and shape-shifting choreography, while Fourth Son Visits His Mother captures wartime sorrow with intricate hair techniques. Pleading at the Temple enchants with flowing water sleeves, and Lin Chong’s Midnight Escape balances martial skill with deep emotion.
Other highlights include the darkly humorous Capturing Sanlang, the silent combat comedy Crossroads, and Xu Ce Rushes to the City, where hat-wing and beard techniques bring an elder’s triumph to life. A Banquet showcases feathered headdress artistry in Lü Bu’s flirtation with Diaochan, while Flooding Jinshan Temple delivers a breathtaking mythical battle.
Merging tradition with modern vitality, this gala celebrates timeless Chinese values—loyalty, justice, and karma—through masterful performance and visual spectacle.
About the Group:
This state-owned troupe, recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage unit, focuses on the research, preservation, and innovation of Jinju Opera. With award-winning artists, including Second Plum Blossom laureate Xie Tao, and a repertoire of over 100 plays, they blend tradition with modernity. Their productions, such as Three Passes Point Handsome and Fu Shan Goes to Beijing, have earned national honors and support. The troupe stages over 500 shows annually across China and internationally, with notable recognition like the May Day Labor Award. Their mission is to preserve Jinju Opera while creating culturally significant works for global audiences
Cast and Crew
On Stage
Off Stage:
Contact Details:
Mr. Wang Ling
Synopsis:
The performance opens with the mythological romance of Zhong Kui Marrying His Sister, where flame-spouting rituals and shapeshifting choreography create an enchanting atmosphere. The poignant drama The Fourth Son Visits His Mother follows, unveiling heart-wrenching emotions through the rhythmic head-swinging (Shaozi Gong) technique. Other highlights include Praying for Justice from Sea God Temple, a haunting tale of betrayal and hallucination expressed through flowing water-sleeve dances, and Lin Chong’s Night Run, a gripping escape scene that demands both acrobatic skill and vocal precision. This captivating gala performance immerses audiences in the vibrant world of Shanxi Jinju Opera, a national intangible cultural heritage renowned for its soul-stirring vocals, intricate costumes, and dynamic stage techniques. The program features nine iconic episodes from both classic and contemporary Jinju repertoire, each showcasing the genre's rich cultural legacy.
About the Team Leader:
Tao Chen, National First-Class Performance Supervisor and Chairman of the Taiyuan Theatre Association, has dedicated over 45 years to advancing Jinju (Opera). As a former Director of the Taiyuan Experimental Jinju Youth Troupe and Vice President of the Taiyuan Experimental Jinju Theatre, he modernized traditional opera through contemporary aesthetics.
He has produced 50+ acclaimed works, including Fu Shan's Imperial Audience (87 honors, listed among China's Top 10 Stage Art Classics), Yu Chenglong, and Fan Zhongju's Success. His productions have toured three continents, expanding Jinju’s global presence. Honored with the Best Producer award at the National Theatre Culture Awards and recognized as an Outstanding Art Creator, Tao Chen has pioneered youth development programs to ensure Jinju's future. His visionary leadership continues to drive the innovative transformation of Chinese traditional opera on both national and international stages.
Team Leader's Note:
Jin Opera Gala: A Timeless Journey Through Chinese Tradition
This curated performance presents nine iconic Jinju excerpts, blending mythical legends, history, and folklore to highlight the genre’s unique artistry. Zhong Kui Marries Off His Sister stuns with fire-spitting and shape-shifting choreography, while Fourth Son Visits His Mother captures wartime sorrow with intricate hair techniques. Pleading at the Temple enchants with flowing water sleeves, and Lin Chong’s Midnight Escape balances martial skill with deep emotion.
Other highlights include the darkly humorous Capturing Sanlang, the silent combat comedy Crossroads, and Xu Ce Rushes to the City, where hat-wing and beard techniques bring an elder’s triumph to life. A Banquet showcases feathered headdress artistry in Lü Bu’s flirtation with Diaochan, while Flooding Jinshan Temple delivers a breathtaking mythical battle.
Merging tradition with modern vitality, this gala celebrates timeless Chinese values—loyalty, justice, and karma—through masterful performance and visual spectacle.
About the Group:
This state-owned troupe, recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage unit, focuses on the research, preservation, and innovation of Jinju Opera. With award-winning artists, including Second Plum Blossom laureate Xie Tao, and a repertoire of over 100 plays, they blend tradition with modernity. Their productions, such as Three Passes Point Handsome and Fu Shan Goes to Beijing, have earned national honors and support. The troupe stages over 500 shows annually across China and internationally, with notable recognition like the May Day Labor Award. Their mission is to preserve Jinju Opera while creating culturally significant works for global audiences
Cast and Crew
On Stage
Off Stage:
Contact Details:
Mr. Wang Ling
