On May 10th, the original opera Wang Yangming, focusing on the cultural legacy of the Neo-Confucian Yangmingism, had its world premiere at China National Opera House (“the Opera House” for short) in Beijing. This production is a collaboration among Guizhou University (GZU), the Opera House, and Guizhou Daoxi Cultural Media Co., Ltd. It is a key project supported by the Opera House to foster cultural excellence in Guizhou Province. Dr. Liu Jinjun, a faculty member of School of Music at GZU, initiated and led the project, with Liu Yunzhi, the esteemed violinist and director of the Opera House, serving as the artistic director.
The opera centers on the experience of Wang Yangming (1472-1529), a Ming Dynasty Chinese philosopher, after his wrongful punishment and demotion to Longchang Posthouse in Guizhou. In 1507, the second year of Emperor Zhengde’s Reign, Wang, a sixth-rank court official then, enraged the emperor by criticizing his immoral behavior in a memorial and was punished and exiled to the remote southwest posthouse. Through a blend of diverse artistic styles and a compelling narrative, the opera depicts Wang Yangming’s pursuit of wisdom and moral integrity in adversity.
Liu Yunzhi highlighted the opera’s significance: "As a work deeply rooted in Chinese traditional culture, Wang Yangming is designed to resonate with the public and promote the charm of Chinese heritage. The Opera House has committed to making this opera a cultural masterpiece."
Yang Wei, Secretary of CPC GZU Committee, reflected on the importance of the production. According to Yang, the opera, which embodies Wang Yangming's philosophy of “unity of knowledge and action”, responds to President Xi Jinping's call to promote China's 5,000-year-old culture as a source of national pride and a powerful force for rejuvenation, during his visit to GZU in 2011; additionally, it enriches the cultural life in Guizhou.
The premiere of Wang Yangming received support from various organizations including the Publicity Department of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and Cultural Communication Center of Confucius Academy of Guiyang. Following its Beijing debut, the opera will tour Guizhou Province, featuring local actors from Guizhou University and other regional organizations.
Editor: Pang Aizhong
Chief Editor: Zhang Chan
Senior Editor: Li Xufeng
Translator: Xiao Qi
