Just as the night fell in the cultural square of Shima Village, He Fang Street, Hui Min County, Binzhou City, Shandong Province, devoted fans of the Village Theater Troupe began singing the classic aria The Legend of the Red Lantern from the traditional Lü opera. On the stage, drums and music resonated harmoniously as one performance followed another. The enraptured audience couldn't help but applaud enthusiastically from time to time.
In order to fully harness the enthusiasm of the vast community of arts enthusiasts, Hui Min County has carefully selected local village theater troupes and art enthusiasts from within the region. They have organized a series of high-quality performance programs that resonate with the audience. Additionally, they are encouraging the creation of original local content to participate in these performances, and rallying the local community to take the stage and warm up the audience during the events.
Classic excerpts such as "Sister-in-Law," "The Remarriage Of Mrs.Li," and "Press for Marriage" captivated the live audience, satisfying their appetite for traditional opera. Furthermore, theater enthusiasts received resounding applause from the masses for their self-written and self-performed new play, "The Beautiful Courtyard," which revolved around the theme of rural revitalization.
It is reported that the Village Theater Troupe in Shima Village was spontaneously organized by local villagers and theater enthusiasts from the surrounding areas. Currently, the team consists primarily of more than 60 members from the village and its vicinity, with a focus on performing Lü opera. They stage performances in the square every weekend, drawing a crowd of spectators. The atmosphere is vibrant with live singing, chorus, cheers, applause, and the laughter of children.
"Before, I used to sing operas at home just to pass the time and relieve boredom. But since the theater troupe organized us and started hosting occasional performances, it not only brings joy to the public but also makes me feel that my life has a greater sense of purpose," said Shi Yunxia, a member of the Village Theater Troupe.
Despite the fact that most of the performances by the Village Theater Troupe are of a charitable nature, its members still find great joy in their work. "We perform traditional Lü opera because we have a deep love for traditional culture. When we create and perform local plays, we are showcasing contemporary happy lives, which are based on real events that happen around us. Since the audience enjoys watching them, we also love to sing," explained one member.