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Shaoxing's original fantasy Yue Opera, The Sword of the Yue Maiden, will be staged in May at Shaoxing Jinghu Yue Theater to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Yue Opera.

The play, written by renowned playwright Qian Yong and inspired by historical accounts from The Annals of Wu and Yue and Shaoxing folklore, is set against the backdrop of the rivalry between the two states and follows Fan Li, who encounters a highly skilled swordswoman on Kuaiji Mountain.

He records her swordsmanship and recommends her to the Yue Emperor. Together with Fan, the swordswoman helps strengthen the military, creating a legendary tale of loyalty.

Actors dressed in their stage costumes practice movements and choreography at the rehearsal for The Sword of the Yue Maiden. [Photo provided to Tide News]

The show brings together a top-tier creative team and cast from China's opera community, with a fantasy stage that breaks away from traditional viewing modes, employing multimedia visuals, real-time scene transitions, and surround-sound effects to immerse the audience in the historical drama.

The production, rooted in Shaoxing's regional characteristics, is being rehearsed by actors from the Shaoxing Yue Opera Troupe and other organizations, with young performers recruited to form rotating ensembles, using innovative forms to interpret Yue culture while showcasing the city's distinctive spirit and rich cultural heritage.