At a Glance
- Zhang Wanting performs her first full role in The Masked Heroine.
- She masters a complex chair trick that blends martial arts and acrobatics.
- The show highlights the Song School’s female martial roles and modern Peking opera appeal.
- Why it matters: It showcases the dedication of young performers to keep traditional art alive amid digital competition.
In a Beijing theater, 30-year-old Peking opera actress Zhang Wanting takes center stage in The Masked Heroine, delivering a performance that blends a decade-long chair trick with dramatic storytelling. The show marks her first full starring role and underscores the Song School’s commitment to modernizing classic performances.
A Decade-Long Journey to the Chair
Zhang grew up in Hebei province and first saw Peking opera at age seven. She joined a local cultural center, then left home for a theater school in Jiangsu after primary school. Training began at 5 a.m. daily, and she recalls crying after each session.
Her path led her to the Song School, where she studied under Song Danju, daughter of the founder. The school emphasizes female martial roles, blending traditional techniques with fresh stunts.
Zhang Wanting says:
> “Ever since I first started learning this play, I’ve always dreamed of performing it in full.”
- Jump through chair frame
- Stand on handle on one leg
- Spin chair using palm
Integrating Skill and Story
In the play, Zhang portrays Wan Xiangyou, a militia leader who fights injustice. She incorporates the chair trick during a confrontation, using the tanhai pose to interrogate a male character. The integration of the trick into the plot makes the scene compelling for audiences.
Yang Hecheng says:
> “It’s my first time seeing the full production and the chair sequence. What attracts me most is the beauty and spirit shown in the performer’s techniques on stage.”
| Move | Description |
|---|---|
| Jump through chair frame | A leap that passes through the narrow back of the chair |
| Stand on handle | Balancing on a 3-inch wide handle 2 feet above the ground |
| Spin chair | Turning the chair using the palm of one hand |
Key Takeaways
- Zhang’s first full starring role showcases her mastery of a demanding chair trick.
- The Song School’s focus on female martial roles is highlighted in the performance.
- Audiences experience a blend of skill, flexibility, and storytelling.
Zhang’s performance demonstrates the enduring appeal of Peking opera and the perseverance of its performers. The show invites audiences to experience the art’s blend of skill and emotion.
