On October 20th, in an exclusive interview, Chen Liyu, the lead actress of the Yue Opera “The Moonlit Mist,” praised the play as an original work by the renowned playwright Zheng Huaixing, describing it as a classic and deeply emotional tragedy.
“The Moonlit Mist,” which premiered on the night of October 19th in Fuzhou, stands as one of Zheng’s final creations and his 50th work in the realm of opera. It’s significant within the context of the national arts funding initiative for 2024, aimed at supporting large-scale stage productions and artistic works. The play is also a key part of the Ninth Fujian Arts Festival and the 29th Provincial Drama Performance, drawing attention from both theater enthusiasts and professionals.
Chen elaborated on the show’s origins, explaining that “The Moonlit Mist” is adapted from a piece in the Qing dynasty’s “Yuewei Caotang Biji,” particularly the story “Li Sheng’s Tale.” Through exquisite emotional portrayals and distinctive artistic techniques, the production tells a captivating story that highlights the life experiences of ordinary citizens, creating a profound psychological resonance where the performers on stage reflect the lives of the audience offstage.
The creative team behind the production is formidable, featuring Zheng Huaixing—one of the “three masters of Chinese opera”—whose passion for the project was evident through his own poetic expressions of anticipation for its success. The current presentation serves as a beautiful tribute to him, with the esteemed director Han Jianying leading a talented ensemble of artists to deliver a performance characterized by grace, fluidity, and depth.
Interestingly, this year marks the 105th birthday of the legendary artist Yin Guifang, the founder of the Fanghua Yue Opera troupe, and the 65th anniversary of the troupe’s establishment in Fujian. To commemorate this special occasion, the production has enlisted the well-regarded Yue Opera artist Yin Xiaofang as its artistic advisor, while Chen Liyu and the promising young actress Zhang Qianqian take the lead roles, embodying the continual legacy of Yin’s artistic style.
Chen Liyu expressed her belief that “The Moonlit Mist,” as Zheng Huaixing’s legacy work, deserves in-depth exploration and discussion by experts and scholars alike. She is confident that under the guidance and support of the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, alongside the collaborative efforts of the entire cast and crew, this production will become a treasured addition to the rich artistic heritage of Fujian.
