Post by : Badri Ariffin

Clad in a striking red-and-white warrior outfit, Peking opera star Zhang Wanting enchants the audience as she elegantly balances on one foot atop the slender handle of a rosewood chair. With grace, she bends forward, elevating her other leg, while holding two long pheasant feathers from her helmet, reminiscent of a soaring swallow.

Performing in a contemporary Beijing theater before more than 100 onlookers, Zhang heads the iconic Song School production, The Masked Heroine. This role marks her first leading part in a complete production, a testament to over a decade of rigorous training that began in early childhood.

Originating from Hebei province, Zhang began her journey into Peking opera at the tender age of seven. Enchanted by this rich cultural art, she joined a local cultural center to train among peers, quickly uncovering her inherent talent and strong dedication. She later attended a renowned theater academy in Jiangsu province, where students craft the strength, flexibility, and discipline necessary for this demanding performance style.

One of Zhang’s most formidable challenges is the “chair trick,” a distinctive and intricate routine particular to the Song School. This complex maneuver involves leaping through the chair’s frame, balancing on its handle with one leg, rotating the chair by hand, and hopping while clasping onto the chair’s leg. This ability, which roots back to the traditional Peking opera stance known as tanhai (literally “gazing over the sea”), draws influences from Chinese martial arts, demanding remarkable balance and finesse.

Conquering her fear was Zhang’s initial challenge. She devoted an entire semester to tirelessly practicing on a chair handle that measures just three inches wide and stands over two feet off the ground. Carrying a chair with her constantly, she trained with relentless determination, executing numerous jumps daily, enduring muscle fatigue and bruises. After months of effort, she celebrated a pivotal moment when maintaining her stance on the chair no longer felt exhausting.

Despite contemporary entertainment challenges, Peking opera flourishes thanks to passionate young talents like Zhang, who invest years into refining their craft. In The Masked Heroine, Zhang embodies Wan Xiangyou, a courageous woman who combats injustice and leads a militia in ancient China. The chair balancing act weaves seamlessly into the narrative, increasing drama and captivating visuals for the audience.

Now a member of Beijing’s Jingju Theatre Company, Zhang has graced over 150 performances within nine years, continuously evolving and enhancing her artistry. For her, the path to mastery is lifelong, with the most gratifying reward being the audience’s applause at the conclusion of each performance.

Zhang Wanting’s commitment illustrates the timeless charm of Peking opera—a perfect fusion of tradition, emotion, and artistry that continues to enthrall new audiences.

#Global News