When 7-year-old Chang Qiuyue first saw the vibrant silks of Peking Opera costumes, she called them "Auntie Red" – a playful name that sparked her lifelong passion. Now a National First-Class Actress, Chang is revolutionizing China’s 200-year-old art form for Gen Z, blending tradition with modern flair. 🌸
From Therapy to Stardom 🎶
What began as a childhood exercise to boost her health turned into a journey of artistic mastery. "Xun-style singing feels like spring," Chang told CGTN, describing the lyrical techniques that define her performances. She transformed from a shy trainee into a bold leading actress, mastering rapid costume changes (earning her the nickname "Sister Rainbow") and reinterpreting classics like Hong Niang with contemporary color palettes. 🎨
Bridging Eras 🌉
Chang’s secret sauce? Mixing historic silhouettes with modern design trends like Morandi’s muted tones. But she’s not just about aesthetics – she’s reviving forgotten operas like Dan Qing Yin, piecing together crumbling scripts to breathe new life into lost stories. "Audiences ask, 'Why has no one performed this before?'" she says, highlighting the thrill of rediscovery.
Legacy in Motion 💡
Inspired by her mentor Sun Yumin’s tireless work ethic, Chang mentors young artists while tackling modern themes. "Tragic roles have depth, but cheerful heroines sell tickets," she laughs, showing how she balances artistic passion with audience appeal. Her mission? To ensure Peking Opera’s timeless charm resonates in TikTok eras and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com