Singing his praises, across the ages

Folk opera production Liu Liuzhou, centered on Tang Dynasty (618-907) writer Liu Zongyuan and his connection with the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, made its premiere on April 11 at the China National Opera House in Beijing. CHINA DAILY

In the summer of 2018, Chang Jianjun, honorary president of the Guangxi Theater Association and playwright of the new folk opera production, Liu Liuzhou, awaited the arrival of a group of theater experts in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

One of the guests suggested they visit the memorial temple of Liu Zongyuan (773-819), a renowned writer, philosopher and politician from the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

Chang had visited the temple many times. But this time, the expert posed a thought-provoking question: "How would you write about Liu Zongyuan?"

He thought for a moment. Then, inspiration struck. He would create a dialogue between Tang poetry and Guangxi's folk songs.

"In early 2022, I actually received the invitation to write a folk opera about Liu Zongyuan," Chang recalls.

"I first delved into extensive historical records and then plunged into a long period of contemplation. I thought: What are we telling the audience by writing about Liu today?"