After making its debut in the United States in 1999, the Anhui
Provincial Huangmei Opera Troupe brought what is called "he most
beautiful country music in China"to American and Canadian audiences
again last Friday.
President of the Anhui Provincial Huangmei Opera Troupe, Jiang
Jianguo said that the performance was held at the invitation of the
Chinese Ambassadors to Canada and the United States. The tour will
cover Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Washington, and Los Angeles,
presenting two famous Huangmei operas, The Heavenly Maid and
the Mortal, and The Thunderstorm, as well as the
highlights of some classical operas.
Huangmei opera originated in the border areas between Anhui,
Hubei and Jiangxi provinces. Developed from folk songs with its
haunting melodies and its folk culture-laden performances, Huangmei
opera is easily understood and popular across China. At present, it
has developed into one of China' major local operas and has been
introduced to other countries, called Chinese country music
overseas.
The Heavenly Maid and the Mortal is the most popular
Huangmei opera routine, telling about the love story between a
heavenly maid and a poor young man on earth. The two fell in love
with each other and overcame all obstacles to get married. Under
the help of the maid's friends in Heaven, the two young people are
about to tie the knot when the Heavenly King ordered the bride to
return to Heaven. The tragic tale is even more thrilling when
adapted into a Huangmei opera routine.
The Thunderstorm is adapted from a stage play written
by famous Chinese novelist Cao Yu. It recently won the top prize at
the Ninth China Opera Festival when performed in Huangmei
opera.
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(Chinanews.com September 27, 2006)
