Cai Zhengren, Zhang Xunpeng "Escort", young Kunqu Opera performer Zhang Ran performs "Horse Trading", "Peony Pavilion", "Jade Hairpin", older generation | Zhang Ran | Horse Trading "
"I will adhere to inheritance and innovation, make the past serve the present, and regard youth as the most important target of dissemination. I will excavate and inherit the precious assets left by the older generation of artists, so that Kunqu Opera can shine with more vitality and vitality in the new era." From June 2nd to 4th, the "Lanqing Ranran" Zhang Ran Kunqu Opera Art Series was held at the Lanxin Grand Theater. After the performance, young actor Zhang Ran introduced his work plan.
As a disciple of Zhu Chuanming, the master of Kunqu opera, Zhang Ran studied under performing artist and educator Zhang Xunpeng and won the New Actor Award at the 25th Shanghai Magnolia Drama Performance Art Award. Over the course of three days, she brought three classic plays to the audience, including "The Horse Merchant", "The Peony Pavilion", and "The Jade Hairpin", with performing artists Cai Zhengren and Zhang Xunpeng overseeing the entire process. The three characters are all female actresses with similar roles, but their ages, personalities, identities, and moods are different. Actors need to pay special attention to the combination of personality traits and singing, recitation, and performance skills of different characters in singing, recitation, and performance.
"The Horse Merchant" is a beloved work by Zhang Ran, personally passed down by Zhang Xunpeng and polished several times through deep diving. Zhang Xunpeng has a deep connection with "The Story of Horse Racing". She inherits the autobiographical masters of the generation, and also personally experiences the combined performances of Beijing Kunming art masters Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Yan Huizhu, Zhang Junqiu, and Yu Zhenfei. Under the careful guidance of Zhang Xunpeng, Zhang Ran pays attention to details in her every move, singing and recitation, using her eyes, tone, and small movements to portray Li Guizhi as her father apologizing, firmly grasping the character's identity and sense of age.
In "The Peony Pavilion", Zhang Ran focuses on showcasing the technique of "no song, no dance" in Kunqu opera. Zhang Ran combines modern aesthetics with traditional roles in the popular "Dream Hunting" and the representative works of Master Yao Chuanxiang, which have been passed down from generation to generation.
In "The Jade Hairpin", Zhang Ran plays Chen Miaochang, who insists on expressing "emotions" as the core. She said that Zhang Xunpeng emphasized at the beginning of his teaching that "Autumn River", as a farewell play, has two extremely important pieces, "Little Peach Blossom" and "Five Kinds of Yi", and the emotional expression on stage must be layered. When singing the main song "Little Peach Blossom", Zhang Ran and her partner Hu Weilu changed the traditional sit singing performance form, making this performance more diverse and beautiful.
At the performance of "Lan Qing Ranran", there were disabled people sitting in wheelchairs, primary and secondary school students studying Kunqu opera in their spare time, foreign teachers teaching in Shanghai universities, and white-collar workers from Lujiazui. They all approached and learned about Kunqu opera through Zhang Ran's art popularization activities over the years, gradually becoming loyal fans of Kunqu opera. "I told myself that embarking on the path of Kunqu opera performance is not only about choosing a dream and career, but also about the mission of inheriting excellent traditional culture. Especially since the establishment of the studio, I have been trying to spread Kunqu opera to young audiences in various ways," said Zhang Ran.
As the head of a private cultural and artistic group, Zhang Ran is also grateful for the support she has received from various sectors of society over the years. She has received support from the Huangpu District Committee Propaganda Department and others for her special event. "I have encountered many challenges, received help, and felt a lot of warmth. I will not forget my original intention, face the public, stand on the times, and showcase the charm of Kunqu opera. I am serving the people and singing for the times."
