Wu Opera Stuns Johannesburg With 500 Years of Chinese Tradition

Johannesburg audiences were swept into a world of colour, rhythm, and history as Wu Opera made its South African debut at the University of Johannesburg’s Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre on Monday, 22 September.

The performance, led by the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Center, marked a rare opportunity for Joburgers to experience one of China’s oldest operatic traditions a form of theatre that has captivated audiences for more than 500 years.

A First for Johannesburg

For many in the packed theatre, this was their first encounter with Chinese opera. The stage came alive with vivid storytelling, from the legendary Nine-Section Dragon to the playful Carrying the Bridal Sedan Chair. The audience gasped at the elaborate costumes and martial-arts-inspired movement, erupting into applause with each scene change.

Social media lit up after the show, with attendees describing it as “mesmerising” and “a window into another world.” One Johannesburg student tweeted: “Never thought I’d see something like this in my city so grateful for the chance to experience it.”

More Than Just a Show

The evening opened with remarks from UJ’s Professor Federico Freschi and representatives of the Chinese Embassy, who highlighted the importance of cultural exchange. Minister Counsellor Qin Zhanpeng told the audience: “Tonight we share not only art, but also understanding, respect, and feelings.”

It wasn’t just talk the Zhejiang Wu Opera troupe has performed in 69 countries across five continents, from rural villages to global stages. Their visit to South Africa symbolises how art can strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties.

The Legacy of Wu Opera

Wu Opera, also called Jinhua Opera, blends acrobatics, music, and stylised movement in ways that have made it a treasured part of Chinese cultural heritage. The Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Center, founded in 1956, has been instrumental in keeping the tradition alive, earning top national awards including the prestigious Plum Blossom Prize.

While its history stretches back centuries, the troupe keeps the art form alive and relevant. In recent years they’ve staged more than 500 performances annually, from local Chinese villages to international events like the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Johannesburg’s Warm Embrace

The show at UJ concluded with thunderous applause, many in the crowd visibly moved by what they had witnessed. For a city known as South Africa’s cultural melting pot, the night was more than entertainment it was a reminder that Johannesburg is a gateway where global traditions can be celebrated and shared.

Wu Opera’s arrival was not just another theatre performance. It was a cultural milestone, proving that even across oceans and languages, art has the power to connect people and spark new appreciation for the richness of global heritage.

{Source:IOL}

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