From ‘Auntie Red’ to ‘Sister Rainbow’: How Chang Qiuyue Revitalizes Peking Opera
When seven-year-old Chang Qiuyue first laid eyes on the crimson silks of the “Hong Niang” (The Matchmaker) costumes, she affectionately nicknamed them “Auntie Red.” What began as a child’s fascination soon blossomed into a lifelong passion that would drive her to reinvent one of China’s most treasured art forms for a new generation.
“I remember thinking they were so beautiful; I dreamed of becoming that radiant figure on stage,” recalls Chang, now a National First-Class Actress in Peking Opera. Her father, an amateur performer, initially enrolled her in opera school to improve her health. But the therapeutic endeavor quickly kindled an artistic devotion, setting Chang on a path to become a leading figure in the contemporary evolution of Peking Opera.
Initially trained in the physically demanding martial roles of Daoma Dan to build endurance, Chang eventually found her artistic home in the lyrical elegance of the Xun School. “Xun-style singing feels like spring—lighter, more graceful, and fluid compared to other schools,” she explains. Despite her grandmother’s reservations, the once-shy girl transformed into bold Hua Dan roles through rigorous training, embodying a blend of physical rigor and artistic refinement.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
As a performer of Xun School classics like “Hong Niang,” where she executes seven rapid costume changes that earned her the nickname “Sister Rainbow,” Chang reimagines tradition through a modern lens. Her costume designs merge historic silhouettes with the muted palettes of Morandi, creating visually striking ensembles that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Yet, Chang acknowledges the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with market demands. While she feels a deep connection to tragic roles, she admits, “Cheerful heroines sell tickets.” This pragmatic approach doesn’t deter her from pushing boundaries; she continuously explores new themes and modern compositions that reflect the experiences and challenges of today’s society, expanding the relevance of Peking Opera.
Reviving Forgotten Masterpieces
Dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Peking Opera, Chang invests time in reviving forgotten Xun operas like “Dan Qing Yin,” painstakingly reconstructing them from deteriorating scripts. “These lesser-known works are seldom performed, but when they are, audiences often say, ‘The play is incredible! Why has no one performed it before?'” she notes, emphasizing the immense resources and dedication required for such projects.
Chang draws inspiration from her mentor, Sun Yumin, whose tireless commitment serves as a guiding light. “My teacher worked like every day was her last,” Chang reflects. “Now I ask myself: What legacy will I leave?”
For Chang Qiuyue, the answer lies in bridging the centuries—nurturing young actors, reinventing traditional costumes, and capturing the timeless charm of Peking Opera for the digital age. Through her efforts, this 200-year-old art form not only survives but thrives, finding modern echoes in today’s audiences.
