Classic tale keeps core elements

"Many classic scenes from The Legend of the White Snake are particularly famous and emblematic of the production's dramatic and emotional depth, such as the West Lake encounter, which sees Bai and Xu meeting for the first time and the confrontation with Fa Hai, featuring the conflict between Bai and the monk, who opposes the couple's reunion," says Zhang Yao. "These scenes are central to the opera's narrative and are notable for their dramatic presentation, emotional depth, and the use of traditional Peking Opera techniques, including elaborate costumes, symbolic gestures and stylized movements. Those classic scenes will be staged with the support of the latest multimedia technology, offering a visual feast for the audience, especially the young people."

Yin, the president of the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, notes that besides the classic scenes, which highlight the love of the couple, the new production will also depict Bai's desire to become human, primarily due to her deep love for Xu.

"Bai falls in love with Xu and wishes to be with him as an equal. Her longing to become human also reflects a desire to experience the full spectrum of human life, including love, companionship and the joy of living in the human world," says Yin. "Her transformation is a central element to the story, symbolizing the theme of love transcending boundaries and the personal sacrifices made in the name of love."

For the music, Yin says that he will keep the original music from the 1952 version of The Legend of the White Snake, which was produced and performed by the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts.

"Tian Han served as the first president of the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts after the school was founded in 1950. After he finished writing the script of The Legend of the White Snake, artists of the school, including composer Wang Yaoqing, and director Li Zigui, who was the founder of the directing department of the school, worked together to bring the Peking Opera piece alive onstage," says Yin. "The Legend of the White Snake is a very important production for the school, passed down by generations of artists.