The environmental Yue opera "Qiantang Village" has gained significant attention following the success of "New Dragon Gate Inn" at Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe. On the evening of July 9th, another production by the troupe, a modern Yue opera titled "Qiantang Village", was staged at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Starring Li Yunxiao, Li Xiaowen, Zhou Yan, and others, the performance breaks away from traditional Yue opera roles, depicting a contemporary story from Hangzhou triggered by a traffic accident.

"Qiantang Village" is the first modern opera production created by Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe since its founding. It was written by Xie Lihong and directed by Wang Yansong. The story unfolds along the banks of the Qiantang River during the evening rush hour. Fang Xiaomi, a young migrant worker riding an electric scooter against traffic, accidentally collides with Jin Yuefang, a middle-aged model. After initially fleeing the scene after paying for Jin's medical expenses, Fang Xiaomi returns out of conscience to care for Jin and develops a lively relationship with Jin's daughter, urban white-collar worker Lu Yafei.

The story of "Qiantang Village" unfolds with a natural and smooth narrative, highlighting the innate kindness and human brilliance of ordinary people. Li Yunxiao portrays Fang Xiaomi, a young mother who gave birth just six months ago. After causing an accident and facing a large compensation fee, she initially considers fleeing but ultimately returns to Jin Yuefang upon seeing her baby in her arms. Although Jin Yuefang's daughter, Lu Yafei, harbors resentment towards the hit-and-run driver, upon learning that Fang Xiaomi is willing to take responsibility and even go into debt for it, she allows Fang Xiaomi to become her mother's caregiver.

In "Qiantang Village," actress Li Xiaowen, known for her portrayal of young male roles, takes on the role of Lu Yafei, a strong-willed woman with a tender heart. Playing the role of Jin Yuefang, Zhou Yan, typically a leading actress, portrays an elderly woman confined to bed after a car accident, relying solely on her dialogue to shape her character. Throughout the play, she skillfully manipulates a wheelchair to express the emotional changes of her character.

On the evening of the 10th, the play continued its performances as scheduled.

Translator: BAI Jing

Reviewer: LI An