Beauty of Jin-oprea
——《HeQingHaiYan》 Propaganda film
Nestled in northern Shanxi, Datong stands as a grand ancient city imbued with profound cultural heritage—a nationally renowned historical and cultural capital, the cradle of Chinese civilization, and one of the birthplaces of Chinese opera art. Through three millennia of civilizational evolution and monumental transformations, it has not only witnessed heroic feats like mountains carved into Buddha statues and battlefield smoke across deserts but also carries within it eternal legends and the enduring legacy of Jin Opera. These treasures persist in the imprints of history, blossom through the cycle of seasons, and resonate most powerfully in Jin Opera’s soaring melodies that echo through clouds and across generations.
Amidst the galaxy of Chinese performing arts, Jin Opera is a radiant gem passed down for centuries—a flame of civilization kindled by the diligence and wisdom of Shanxi’s people, the spiritual sustenance of ancestors, and the wellspring of life itself. Its artistry is both powerfully bold and exquisitely refined; profoundly stirring yet intimately nuanced. It brings to life scenes from bygone dynasties and tales whispered on ancient breezes through every verse of its librettos and cadence of its arias. The beauty of Jin Opera stands as unyielding as the Loess Plateau and surges as relentlessly as the Yellow River’s current.
Through nearly a century of arduous journeys and glittering triumphs, Jin Opera has evolved from scattered streams into a continuous river—forged by the sweat and dedication of generations of artists, marked by waves of hardship and inspiration. It has given rise to countless celebrated masters, iconic roles, timeless scripts, and legendary arias. “Creating for the people, voicing their sentiments” has become the enduring drive fueling Jin Opera artists across eras. This ethos forms the cultural compass and foundation of Datong, inspiring the Jin Opera Theater to carry tradition forward with innovative vision and inclusive spirit.
As history’s wheel rolls onward, the character and fortitude of Jin Opera’s pioneers continue to shape the theater’s cultural DNA. Steadfast in their初心 (original aspiration), they break new ground with courage and cultivate fertile soil for masterpieces. They understand that “innovation is Jin Opera’s lifeblood” and that artists must aspire to distant horizons—embracing the “quest for horizons beyond the sky.” They endure solitude and uncertainty with resilience, trusting that unwavering dedication and relentless refinement will ultimately forge a brilliant and everlasting artistic legacy.
