When Swing and Rock Collide with Chinese Opera: ‘Till We Meet Again’ Debuts

Blending the iconic traditions of Chinese opera with the energetic vibes of swing, rock, and street dance, the new musical ‘Till We Meet Again’ has taken center stage at Beijing’s historic Huguang Guild Hall.

Set in 1917 during the early Republic of China, the story follows Jinsheng, a young star of the Peking opera troupe “Chunming.” Jinsheng excels in the role of Wusheng, the male warrior known for martial prowess in traditional opera.

“I started learning traditional opera techniques from scratch for this musical,” said actor Li Chenyuan, who plays Jinsheng. “Stepping out of my comfort zone was a significant challenge.”

Director Li Zhuoqun, who also served as scriptwriter and lyricist, aimed to preserve the essence of Peking opera while introducing modern musical theater elements. “I believe there are many similarities between musicals and traditional opera, such as using songs and dances to narrate stories,” she explained.

The fusion creates a unique theatrical experience. One standout segment, “Chinese Romance,” combines Disney-inspired dance with Chinese traditional robes and poetic lyrics, resulting in a captivating blend of East and West.

“Combining the two preserves the elegance and intensity of traditional opera while enhancing the stage’s visual impact,” Li Chenyuan noted.

As modern arts increasingly embrace traditional culture, productions like ‘Till We Meet Again’ highlight the potential for innovation within ancient art forms. “I hope our opera art can embrace and learn from other art forms and make them our own,” said director Li.