Illuminated by the lively atmosphere of the upcoming 15th National Games, Guangzhou is now celebrating a new edition of art season, with a number of brilliant shows held in Guangzhou Opera House. 

Strolling in the inclined column space, audiences may encounter tangible art installations that connect city memory, sports spirit and humanistic sentiment.

The opening ceremony of the art season was held on the day coinciding with the Summer Solstice, the 10th of China's traditional Twenty-Four Solar Term. Using traditional Chinese instruments, Guangdong Music & Folk Art Troupe unveiled the art carnival with a fast mob performance involving famous instrumental pieces such as Bu Bu Gao (Step by Step Ascending) and Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower).

Meanwhile, there are three interactive devices to offer immersive experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including an interactive check-in wall, a giant photo frame by the pool and a mirror at the center stage. These installations turn the romance and creativity of the art season into unique personal memories, extending its artistic influence onto social media and drawing more public attention to this vibrant cultural event.

Apart from deploying the creative devices, Guangzhou Opera House also transforms one of its sections into an interactive place for visitors to give ab-lib performances with Yangqin (Chinese hammered dulcimer), Guzheng (Chinese zither) and Chinese drums.

Time & instruments for hands-on experience:

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 28 to 29, for playing Guzheng

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 5 to 6, for playing Chinese drums

As a key venue for the Guangzhou Art Season, Guangzhou Opera House is set to host a series of spectacular performances.

The dance drama Awakening Lion and Odes to Heroes — part of the "Lingnan Trilogy" — will take the stage this July. Awakening Lion vividly showcases the spirit of Lingnan lion dance culture through powerful rhythms and superb choreography, bringing traditional heritage to life. Odes to Heroes, inspired by the traditional Chinese war dance "Yingge", follows the fantastical journey of a young man named Chen Xinyuan, weaving together themes of family and patriotism. Its unique artistic style and compelling performances are expected to captivate audiences.

Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre and Guangdong Cantonese Opera Theatre will also present a lineup of acclaimed productions at the opera house. Through exquisite artistry, the stage performers will bring to life moving stories that reveal the timeless charm of traditional Chinese opera.

Moreover, numerous top-tier art troupes and eminent artists from China and abroad will take the stage at Guangzhou Opera House. Highlights include renowned dancer Yang Liping's classic dance drama Peacock, and Fifteen Days in Two Capitals, the first stage adaptation of a work by celebrated author Ma Boyong. Bringing the season to a grand finale, the Italian musical Divine Comedy will offer an epic performance that bridges literature and theater, marking a spectacular close to Guangzhou Art Season, which will drop the curtain on August 10.

Source & photos: Guangzhou Daily

Author: Liu Liu