Source: CCTV.com

12-11-2008 09:26

The Guangxi folk song "Sister Liu", became the theme song for a hit movie of the same name during the 1960's. The tune has been a favourite among generations of Chinese for its sweet melody and earthy flavour.

Guangxi folk songs have always been well loved in China. Now the music takes on fresh appeal in a newly composed opera,  "Zhuang Embroidery".

Guangxi folk songs have always been well loved in China. Now the music takes on fresh appeal in a newly composed opera, "Zhuang Embroidery". The show is the first Zhuang minority opera. It consists of dozens of classic folk songs that have been popular in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region through generations.

The opera was premiered by the Youjiang Folk Song and Dance Troupe of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The director of the troupe says the aim of the new program is to introduce the essence of the Zhuang culture to people around the world.

We invited top-notch costume designers and music producers to  join us. Our aim was to create something superb.

Huang Hanxiong, deputy director of Youjiang Folk Song & Dance Troupe, said, "We invited top-notch costume designers and music producers to join us. Our aim was to create something superb. There are 196 sets of costumes tailored for the performance. Each reflects elements of the Zhuang people. We've incorporated 32 songs into the opera. All are well beloved classics. "