If you’re in New York and feel like learning more about Chinese opera, get tickets now to see the Hangzhou Yue Opera Company’s production of Hedda (based on Hedda Gabler by Ibsen) at the NYU Skirball Center. The creative interplay between “western” drama and Chinese opera has a long history–even Thornton Wilder drew inspiration from the staging (and lack of scenery and props) of Chinese opera to write Our Town–his experimental masterpiece. Since this upcoming performance of Hedda will be performed in the genre of Yue opera, it will be performed by an all-female cast.
Skirball Center of the Performing Arts
HEDDA
Date: February 25th
Where: NYU Skirball Center
566 LaGuardia Place
(Corner of LaGuardia Place &
Washington Square South)
New York, NY 10012
Hedda (based on Hedda Gabler) focuses on a highly intelligent woman, recently wed for practicality rather than love, whose jealousy leads her down a path to tragedy in this all-female ensemble adaptation.
Yue Opera, performed by all female actors, is one of the most popular traditional operas in China. Beginning as a form of storytelling and ballad-singing, it has evolved into a theatrical genre with the addition of dramatic structure and an orchestra. Yue Opera is particularly strong in its lyrical touch, with singing and gesturing as its main acting modes. Its arias follow certain patterns which are delicate and beautiful, reflecting the special aura of southern China.
Hangzhou Yue Opera Company
