**Interview with Xu Zitian: Lina Bell’s Enchanting Journey into Shanghai Hu Opera**
As National Day approaches, a delightful surprise unfolded at the Shanghai Hu Opera House—Lina Bell, the cherished character from the local Disney theme park, made an unexpected appearance. We spoke with 11-year-old Hu Opera actress Xu Zitian, who guided Lina through the expressive gestures of Hu Opera, including the iconic “Shunfengqi” pose and the beautiful “Bi Yue” hand formation. “It was so much fun working with her,” Xu enthused, referring to Lina’s charm and enthusiasm during the collaboration.
This unique event was organized by the Shanghai Hu Opera House as a community initiative for senior citizens. Many grandparents took the opportunity to bond with their grandchildren by learning about Disney characters, enhancing their experience of the performance. Xu noted, “It was heartwarming to see families come together, sharing Disney stories and making memories.”
Hu Opera, with a deep-rooted history of over 200 years, began in the Qing Dynasty with “Songnan Yuefu.” This art form is known for its storytelling, producing classics like “The White-Haired Girl” and “Sparks of Fire.” One of its most beloved songs, “Yanyan Zuo Mei” from “Luohan Qian,” showcases the intertwining of Jiangnan folk music and themes of love, resonating with Shanghai’s cultural legacy.
Reflecting on her own childhood, Xu shared, “I’ve loved Hu Opera since I was little. My grandfather used to perform pieces like ‘Yanyan Zuo Mei’ and ‘Qiu Yue.’ Starting my training at four was a dream come true.” She has since earned the prestigious “Little Plum Blossom” award for young performers. Xu further expressed her feelings about mentoring Lina, saying, “This was a completely new experience for me. Once I was on stage, I lost myself in the moment and forgot to look at the audience.”
During the recent Mid-Autumn Festival, Xu transformed into “Little Chang’e,” performing the Shanghainese version of “Meng Ju Yi Qi” with her Disney companions. “Come quickly, let’s gather at my home! We’ll laugh and cheer today!” she joyfully invited the audience to join in the celebration.
A video that circulated on social media captured the energetic atmosphere of the performance, showcasing Lina Bell, Duffy, and Mickey Mouse interacting with an engaged crowd. Xu seamlessly transitioned between Shanghainese and English while performing her grandfather’s favorite, “Yanyan Zuo Mei.” The audience praised the vibrant blend of cultures and commended Xu’s impressive talent.
“I wanted to connect with my Disney friends through high-fives, make ‘heart’ gestures, and sing some English lines in an operatic style—something you rarely see in traditional Hu Opera,” she explained, her gratitude evident as she recalled the audience’s warm reception.
Hu Opera artist Chen Yu highlighted the significance of this collaboration, noting it as part of a larger trend of modern influences shaping the art form. Notably, renowned Hu Opera singer Mao Shanyu previously performed “Yanyan Zuo Mei” in Vienna, showcasing the genre’s capacity to blend contemporary music and styles.
In Shanghai, the evolution of Hu Opera continues, with innovative offerings such as Hu Opera symphony concerts that integrate traditional instruments like the erhu and pipa into orchestral formats, featuring esteemed singers from various troupes. Remarkably, one local artist even combined “Yanyan Zuo Mei” with jazz elements at the Lincoln Jazz Center.
As National Day approaches, the Shanghai Hu Opera House plans to present a variety of performances, including “Hu Yun Feng Hua” and “Big Thunderstorm,” inviting opera lovers across the city to engage with this vibrant art form. Special events will be open to the public in districts like Qingpu and Fengxian, marking the 70th anniversary of the Shanghai Hu Opera House with a fresh take on “Luohan Qian.”
“Everybody come quickly! Embrace and let joy multiply,” resonates the theme of “Meng Ju Yi Qi.” By bridging tradition with contemporary artistry, Hu Opera looks to enrich its narrative and thematic elements, ensuring that this cherished cultural treasure continues to thrive.
