(Reported by Yang Ying, Photo by Cheng Huangxin) In order to thoroughly study and implement the “Implementation Plan for Theme-focused Education on Thoroughly Studying and Implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” issued by the Party Committee of CUG, to promote the excellent traditional Chinese culture and strengthen cultural confidence, the School of Arts and Communication invited Zhu Shihui, a famous Peking Opera artist, to the “Experts Forum” of CUG to talk about his artistic life of Peking Opera
The academic presentation was held at 19:30 p.m. on the evening of May 23, 2023 at the Concert Hall in the North Quarter of Nanwangshan Campus. Tang Zhongyang, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and secretary of the Discipline Inspection Committee of CUG, members of the leadership team of the School of Arts and Communication and some teachers from the Department of Music attended the presentation, which was presided over by Jin Xi, secretary of the Party Committee.
Jin Xi introduced to the guests and audience the fruitful achievements of Mr. Zhu Shihui in cultivating traditional culture and climbing to the peak of Peking Opera art. Zhu Shihui is a famous Peking Opera artist, a representative of the 17th Party Congress of CPC and a member of the 10th, 11th and 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. He has won many honors such as National Advanced Worker, National Model of Artistic Virtue in the Cultural System, National Advanced Worker in the Cultural System, Outstanding Expert of the Ministry of Culture, Mei Lanfang Gold Award, Second Plum Performance Award, Cultural Performance Award and the Magnolia Award. He holds the positions of Vice Chairman of Hubei Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Vice Chairman of Hubei Dramatists Association, Outstanding Inheritor of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Artistic Director of Hubei Peking Opera Theater. He is a national first-class actor.
Perseverance for love, and determination for Peking Opera. Mr. Zhu Shihui first shared his story with the students about Peking Opera. At the age of 12, he entered the operatic circle and started his studies for Laosheng and later the clown, diligently learning the “Four Skills and Five Techniques”. He has been engaged in the national art for 64 years. At the age of 58, when others resigned from the leading posts, he rushed to the first line and took up the burden of being the “head” of Hubei Peking Opera Theater. He is still active on the stage despite his old age and is always full of cultural confidence in the beauty of the national essence. “Young people, the future is yours”, Mr. Zhu Shihui sent a message to the young students present, not forgetting the earnest instructions of the times, striving to be the first and daring to innovate.
Be diligent in refining skills and nurturing students with love. Next, Mr. Zhu introduced in detail his role as an upright official who does what is right for the people in “Xu Jiujing’s Promotion”. This play was the first one he created and rehearsed with the leading role of a clown. It has achieved a miracle of 34 consecutive performances in Beijing, with a packed audience and being transplanted and rehearsed by more than 200 literary and artistic troupes and theatres nationwide, and was hailed as “a phenomenal play in Peking Opera”. Mr. Zhu also performed a wonderful “plaster” recitation from “Plaster of Zhang” on site, which was full of charm and won applause from the audience
Finally, Mr. Zhu invited four teachers from Hubei Peking Opera Theater to perform “In Pursuit of the General”, “Butterfly Lovers”, and water sleeve dance, pushing the atmosphere to a new high.
“Love Peking Opera, love national art, love national treasures”! Mr. Zhu emphasized that literary and art workers should stay true to their original aspirations and keep their missions in mind, use more literary and artistic products to demonstrate the new achievements made in the new journey and era in all aspects, and create more excellent works.
