Charms of Yuediao staged in Malaysia

Ten performers from Yuediao Opera Troupe of Sheqi county, Nanyang are embarking on a journey to bring Mulberry Love, an original play featuring Yuediao, to the 2017 International Guan Yu Culture Festival held in Malaysia.

Yuediao is a form of Chinese opera which arose in Henan province and became widely popular in Nanyang at the end of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). More than 100 troupes were active in the city and surrounding areas back then.

Sheqi, one of its birthlands, is dubbed as the "Hometown of Yuediao". As Yuediao was listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritages in May 2006, Sheqi Yuediao Opera Troupe was also named as Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of Henan Province.

Mulberry Love draws materials from real historical events and reconstructs the story that Guan Yu, a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei in the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), who replants mulberry ruined by his runaway horse and comforts the frightened woman.

Guan Yu is normally depicted as the epitome of loyalty and as a mighty warrior capable of fighting thousands of enemies. In the play, his loving care and solicitude for common people are highlighted by means of musical dialogues and dance.

Riding the tide of the Belt & Road Initiative, the play is hoped to increase the awareness of Chinese culture around the globe.