A showcase of storytelling

The 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival opens this August, and audiences will be treated to an exciting showcase of Chinese storytelling, with three captivating plays that blend traditional cultural elements with cutting-edge theatrical techniques.

One of the highlights is The Life of Mine, a 50-minute production by the Beijing Quju Opera Troupe, which will be staged from July 30 to Aug 3. Directed by Bai Ailian and featuring a talented cast of young creatives, the performances introduce the relatively lesser-known art form of Quju Opera, which combines the elegance of traditional Chinese opera with contemporary interpretations. One of the production's highlights is 24-year-old leading actor Wang Houyi, whose portrayal of the main character left a lasting impression since its premiere in 2022.

The play is adapted from the novella by acclaimed writer Lao She (1899-1966), known for his witty and compassionate depictions of ordinary lives, particularly the urban poor. It is the first Quju Opera production adapted for smaller theater settings. With its bold, contemporary twist, the play invites modern audiences into a world that straddles tradition and innovation.

"Compared to other traditional Chinese art forms, such as the 600-year-old Kunqu Opera or the 200-year-old Peking Opera, Quju is relatively young," says director Bai. "This gave us the space to reimagine the play, injecting it with contemporary flair and daring ideas."