Debrecen will be the opening venue of a unique European cultural program series in early April. The Zhejiang Wu Opera from China will present The Legend of The White Snake in Vienna and – as the only location in Hungary – in Debrecen. This outstanding work of traditional Chinese Wu Opera will be performed on April 1 and 2, 2025, in the 160-year-old Csokonai Theatre.
As part of a special European cultural collaboration, the Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe will arrive in Debrecen in early April. The traditional Chinese opera The Legend of The White Snake will be staged exclusively in Debrecen on April 1 and 2, 2025, at the Csokonai Theatre. After the performances in Debrecen, the troupe will travel to Vienna, where audiences will also have the opportunity to see the production.
Wu Opera
Wu Opera, also known as Jinhua Opera, has a history of more than 500 years. It is named after Wuzhou, the former name of Jinhua. Combining six vocal styles, Wu Opera is a folk-originated operatic genre that focuses on everyday life. Its music is crisp and sonorous, its performance is vivid and emotional, and its costumes are bright and eye-catching.
The Legend of the White Snake
The Legend of the White Snake is based on a well-known Chinese folk tale. Bai Suzhen, the White Snake, has been practicing her magical abilities for a thousand years and is able to take human form. She finds her immortal life lonely and longs to live among mortals. Together with the Green Snake, she descends to Hangzhou, where she meets Xu Xian, a shop assistant in a herbal store by the West Lake. They instantly fall in love, pledge their devotion to each other, and marry.
However, Monk Fahai from Jinshan Temple sees through Bai Suzhen’s human disguise and is determined to separate the couple. On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, Bai Suzhen accidentally reveals her true form, and Xu Xian is shocked to death. In an attempt to save him, Bai Suzhen steals the celestial herb from Mount Kunlun to bring him back to life. She later floods Jinshan Temple in a desperate effort to reunite with her husband. After numerous trials and tribulations, they finally meet again at the Broken Bridge of West Lake. Bai Suzhen’s unwavering love and determination ultimately touch Xu Xian’s heart, leading to a happy ending.
In The Legend of The White Snake opera, an elegant and melodious singing style is combined with versatility, integrating both lyrical and martial elements. The powerful sounds of gongs and drums create a dynamic atmosphere, and modern artistic techniques are also incorporated into the performance. The Broken Bridge scene, in particular, is a lyrical segment infused with martial elements, where serious drama is blended with comedic effects.
Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Centre (Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe)
The Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Centre, formerly known as the Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe, was established in 1956. Over the decades, the troupe has gained a strong reputation. Their outstanding performance of The Broken Bridge was honored as the “Most Outstanding ‘Bridge’ of All Time.”
