Rapeseed Flowers Bloom and Swallows Return, an original modern Huaiju Opera inspired by rural vitalization efforts and created by Xinghua Huaiju Opera Troupe, premiered in Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on May 29.
The opera tells the story of Zheng Xiaoqin, a female village official in Xinghua, Jiangsu province, who, with the support of the provincial Party committee's rural vitalization work team, summoned young people back to transform the impoverished village.
Modern Huaiju Opera Rapeseed Flowers Bloom and Swallows Return premiers at Hohai University on May 29. [Photo/WeChat account: xinghuafabu]
The opera grew out of famous playwright Yuan Liancheng's concern for the current state of rural development. He visited over 20 villages in Xinghua, listening to village officials' stories about the practice of rural vitalization as well as stories of entrepreneurial youth returning home.
"Rural stories need to be told in the language of farmers, so this drama has many comedic passages. The script incorporates a large number of local dialects and colloquialisms, making the characters more vivid and lively and adding a strong local flair," said Yuan.
In addition, multimedia technology was used to realistically present the golden and brilliant rapeseed fields and the winding and dynamic waterways of Xinghua, making the audience feel as if they are immersed in the beautiful scenery of the countryside.
The nearly two-hour performance immerses the audience in the charm of Huaiju Opera. [Photo/WeChat account: xinghuafabu]