LEADING Chinese Shaoxing opera artists Wang Zhiping and Chen Najun from Putuoshan Xiaobaihua Shaoxing Opera Troupe will bring "The Legend of Chunhyang" to Shenzhen today (May 11) and tomorrow.

Part of an earlier Korean wave, "Chunhyang" is an adaptation of a popular Korean folk tale brought to China more than 50 years ago.

It was imported by Shaoxing opera artists Xu Yulan and Wang Wenjuan. During a trip to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, they were touched by the popular love story and created the Shaoxing opera version of "The Legend of Chunhyang" after they came back to China in 1951. The production, performed for half a year in Shanghai, was acclaimed by both critics and audiences.

In 1986, Shaoxing opera artist Wang Zhiping made the role of Chunhyang her own. In November 2005, after years of professional and personal ups and downs, Wang decided to revive the love story.

The leading male role was played by Chen Najun, head of Putuoshan Xiaobaihua Shaoxing Opera Troupe. As a leading Shaoxing opera artist, Chen had played men's roles for some 20 years. She believes Shaoxing opera excels at expressing emotions in a delicate manner with melodies that contain rich regional folk music.

Wang said: "Many operas were staged to win awards and their lifespan wasn't very long. But 'Chunhyang' was different. It was a low-budget production done just for the audience. I believe the work will last a long time. It's visually stunning and formally daring. It uses song and dance to heighten the narrative's drama and to provide additional depth to the already powerful folk tale."

According to Wang, the new version of "Chunhyang" has added new dances and costumes. The troupe invited South Korean dancers to do the choreography. In the past six months, the production's stunning Korean costumes, designed with traditional Chinese embroidery, have attracted thousands of young Chinese addicted to South Korean pop culture.

"Chunhyang" will be performed in Hong Kong following its performances in Shenzhen.

 Something about 'Chunhyang'

THE love story "Chunhyang" takes place in 18th century Korea, where Lee Mong-ryong, son of the governor of Namwon, is studying before leaving for school in Seoul, where he will prepare to become a royal official.

During the summer before he leaves, he meets and falls in love with Chunhyang, the beautiful daughter of a local courtesan. Lee proposes to her and weds her in secret, but is soon called to Seoul for his schooling. While he is away, a new governor is appointed to the province, who demands that Chunhyang become his courtesan. When she refuses, he sentences her to death. But she is finally saved by Lee, who has become a respected scholar.

South Korean movie "Chunhyang" made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2000. It was South Korea's largest cinematic production ever mounted. It took four months to shoot, employed over 8,000 extras, and had over 12,000 costumes. The movie received huge international acclaim.

Editor: Wing