BERLIN — The Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe from China brought the centuries-old tradition of Wu Opera to life on stage at Urania Berlin on September 30, drawing an audience of more than 800 spectators eager to experience this form of Chinese cultural heritage.
Wu Opera, also known as Jinsha Opera, is a regional opera genre originating from Zhejiang province that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). As a recognized national intangible cultural heritage, it features a rich combination of singing, acrobatics, martial arts, and expressive performance techniques. The evening’s program showcased a variety of classic pieces that highlighted the art form’s dynamic storytelling and visual spectacle.
The performance opened with the Nine-Section Dragon, a folk dance featuring a long, vividly colored “dragon” animated by a team of performers. Their fast, coordinated movements—including running, jumping, rolling, and spinning—caused the dragon to twist and leap through the air, illustrating the precision and athleticism characteristic of Wu Opera.
Attendees also witnessed the traditional Chinese stage art of face-changing, a technique in which a performer swiftly switches between brightly colored masks in a matter of seconds, adding an element of mystery and surprise to the narrative.
The show culminated with a dramatic enactment of "Monkey King Thrice Beats the White-Bone Demon," a story adapted from the classic Chinese novel *Journey to the West*. The tale follows the Monkey King as he uncovers the demon’s various disguises aimed at deceiving his companions. The actors combined vigorous fight sequences, acrobatic feats, and emotional singing to convey the story in a manner accessible to audiences unfamiliar with Chinese opera.
The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Cultural Center in Berlin and the Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe, with additional support from the Bank of China Frankfurt Branch. Following the final performance, the audience responded with a standing ovation, expressing strong appreciation for the troupe’s artistry.
He Wenbo, deputy director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Berlin, noted that the performance transcended language barriers through its vivid visual storytelling and emotional expressiveness, offering local viewers a meaningful cultural exchange. Audience members, including Petra Lehmann, chairwoman of the German-Chinese Friendship Association in Ludwigsfelde, expressed enthusiasm about the experience. Lehmann, preparing for travel to China, said the performance gave her a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture. Another attendee, Berlin resident Sarah Keller, remarked that despite not speaking Chinese, she could follow and connect with the story, sparking a desire to explore Wu Opera further.
The successful showcase in Berlin reflects growing international interest in traditional Chinese performing arts and underscores efforts to promote cultural dialogue between China and Europe.