On Monday, the contemporary Peking Opera spectacle, Xiong'an Family, graced the stage in Rongcheng county of Xiong'an New Area, situated in North China's Hebei province, showcasing a tale of familial bonds and adaptation in the evolving landscape of the region.
Co-produced by artists of the China National Peking Opera Company and the Peking Opera Troupe of Shijiazhuang, the production, under the adept direction of Zhang Jianguo, narrates the experiences of families within the newly established Xiong'an New Area. Launched in April 2017, this area encompasses Rongcheng, Anxin, and Xiongxian counties, along with adjacent regions, with the dual purpose of easing nonessential functions from Beijing and fostering the integrated progress of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei corridor.
At the heart of the production is the character Wang Changshui, portrayed by the seasoned Peking Opera luminary Zhang. Wang's journey mirrors a profound transformation from a rural villager to a denizen of the burgeoning new area. Relocating with his family to a modern residential enclave in Xiong'an, Wang confronts the trials stemming from this transition, particularly in his relationship with his daughter, Yan'er, brought to life by the talented Peking Opera actress Zha Sina.
Peking Opera virtuoso Xu Mengke assumes the role of a young man who forsakes his occupation in Beijing to partake in the construction efforts within the new area. Through this decision, he not only embarks on a fresh chapter in life but also encounters his future spouse.
Xiong'an Family premiered to critical acclaim with two captivating shows in Beijing on May 29 and 30, resonating with audiences through its poignant portrayal of personal evolution amid the backdrop of societal change.