Under the lights of the Changchun Peking Opera Troupe, a passionate story is slowly unfolding. This is not only a theatrical interpretation, but also a legend of two hearts intertwined. Wang Fengxia, the "Iron Fan Princess" on the stage, her life trajectory is just like the role she plays, full of legends.
In her brilliant career, she met Liu Xiliang, who is also a Peking Opera actor, and "Monkey King" on the stage. The love story of the two blooms in the world of Peking Opera, which is as gripping as a drama. However, just when Wang Fengxia's star journey was shining, a sudden illness passed mercilessly, and at the age of 38, she withered like a falling flower, leaving endless sorrow and regret.
1. The place where the dream began: Changchun Peking Opera Troupe
On the stage of the Changchun Peking Opera Troupe, Liu Xiliang, a twelve-year-old boy, played the Monkey King for the first time, a role that became the starting point of his artistic career. At this time, he didn't know that his fate would be closely linked to Wang Fengxia, an actress who also loves Peking Opera. Their outstanding performances in classic plays such as "Haunted Dragon Palace" and "Three Forks" made the two gradually attract each other's attention on stage.
The stage of the Changchun Peking Opera Troupe was bustling, and Liu Xiliang, as a new actor, was dressed in the costume of the Monkey King, preparing in high spirits backstage. He carefully adjusted the golden hoop on his head, and in front of him was a large mirror, reflecting his still somewhat childish face. Make-up artists are busy on the sidelines, adding a touch of delicate makeup to him. There was a glint in his eyes that was both nervous and excited.
On the stage, the lights gradually focused, the music started, and Liu Xiliang stepped on the stage. His movements are flexible, as if he is really incarnated as the naughty Monkey King. The audience was attracted by his performance and applauded continuously.
At this time, Wang Fengxia was waiting backstage to play. She was wearing a gorgeous costume, and the voice of Liu Xiliang's performance was heard in her ears. She gently lifted the curtain and secretly observed the young actor on stage. Wang Fengxia was moved by Liu Xiliang's performance, and her eyes flashed with admiration for art. She gently lowered the curtain, secretly looking forward to working with the young actor.
A few weeks later, the two worked together for the first time during rehearsals for "Haunted Dragon Palace". Liu Xiliang still plays the Monkey King, while Wang Fengxia is a fairy character. At the rehearsal site, the director strictly instructed their every movement and expression. Liu Xiliang's movements are sensitive, while Wang Fengxia's dancing posture is elegant, and the cooperation between the two on the stage is becoming more and more tacit.
2. Budding Love: Encounters on the Stage
As time progressed, the fame of Liu Xiliang and Wang Fengxia gradually emerged in the Peking Opera world. Their cooperation in "Haunted Dragon Palace", especially the rivalry between Sun Wukong played by Liu Xiliang and the fairy played by Wang Fengxia, has become a classic that the audience talks about. Whenever Liu Xiliang deftly somersault on stage, Wang Fengxia adds a soft color to this role with her delicate dancing and performance. Audiences often gather around them after the show to express their appreciation and love for their performance.
In the rehearsal of "Three Forks", the interaction between the two was more in-depth. Liu Xiliang's dedication to performance and Wang Fengxia's delicate interpretation of the role make their performances more colorful. During an evening rehearsal, the director spoke highly of their performance: "You are a perfect match on stage, every movement, every eye contact, is telling a moving story." ”
In between rehearsals, the two often exchange acting skills together in a small corner behind the stage. Liu Xiliang sometimes asks Wang Fengxia for some details of her acting skills, and Wang Fengxia listens carefully and gives advice. In these moments, their understanding and trust in each other deepened.
When the opening night of "Three Forks" arrived, the entire theater was packed. Liu Xiliang and Wang Fengxia walked onto the stage and bowed deeply. Enthusiastic applause from the audience echoed throughout the theater. That night, their performance was hailed as "flawless", and Liu Xiliang's passion on stage was complemented by Wang Fengxia's gentleness, allowing the audience to deeply immerse themselves in the artistic world they had created.
As time passed, Liu Xiliang and Wang Fengxia became more and more famous in the Peking Opera world. Not only do they have a tacit understanding on the stage, but they have also become each other's strong backing in life. In between rehearsals, they discuss the future of theatre and how to combine traditional Peking Opera with modern aesthetics. In these discussions, their ideas and insights collide and create new sparks.
The relationship between Liu Xiliang and Wang Fengxia has not only attracted the attention of the audience on the stage, but also become a good story in the Peking Opera circle. They are not only artistic partners of each other, but also confidants in life. In an interview, when Liu Xiliang was asked about his cooperation with Wang Fengxia, he replied with a smile: "With Fengxia, I feel the true meaning of Peking Opera, she is not only my stage partner, but also an indispensable part of my life." ”
3. A common dream: the splendor of "Flaming Mountain".
In 1983, "Flaming Mountain", a large-scale mythical Peking Opera, was staged at the Changchun Peking Opera Troupe, co-starring Liu Xiliang and Wang Fengxia, playing the roles of Sun Wukong and Princess Iron Fan respectively. The staging of this play is not only a challenge to the skills of the two actors, but also a peak of their cooperation.
During the rehearsal of "Flaming Mountain", Liu Xiliang and Wang Fengxia invested a lot of time and energy. When playing the role of Monkey King, Liu Xiliang paid special attention to the details of the character's body language and expressions. He strives for perfection in every jump and tumble on stage, and every expression is expressive. And when Wang Fengxia played the princess of the iron fan, she also carefully polished her role. Her dancing posture is elegant, and her lines are pronounced clearly and emotionally, showing the tenderness and fierceness of Princess Iron Fan to the fullest.
The rivalry between Sun Wukong and Princess Iron Fan in the play is the climax of the whole play. In an important rehearsal, Liu Xiliang confronted Wang Fengxia on stage. He plays the Monkey King who is engaged in a heated debate with the Iron Fan Princess. Wang Fengxia, as the princess of the iron fan, skillfully responded to every word of Sun Wukong. This scene allows the audience to feel a strong emotional conflict between the characters.
After a rehearsal, Liu Xiliang said to Wang Fengxia: "Your performance today is so exciting, you have interpreted the role of Princess Iron Fan to the fullest." Wang Fengxia replied: "The Monkey King you play is also very vivid, especially those martial arts scenes, which are really eye-catching." ”
Outside of rehearsals, the two often discuss the details of the characters and the deeper meaning of the script. They sat in the dressing room and had an in-depth exchange around the script. Liu Xiliang will listen carefully to Wang Fengxia's understanding of the role of the Iron Fan Princess, while Wang Fengxia will put forward her own opinions on Liu Xiliang's Monkey King role. These exchanges not only deepened their understanding of the characters, but also strengthened the tacit understanding between the two on stage.
On the night of the official performance of "Flaming Mountain", the theater was full. The audience waited with anticipation for the opening of the play. When Liu Xiliang and Wang Fengxia walked on the stage together, the audience immediately responded with warm applause. Under the lights, the two seem to really incarnate as Sun Wukong and Princess Iron Fan, and their every action and every line is full of power and emotion.
A key scene in the play, the battle between Sun Wukong and Princess Iron Fan under the Flame Mountain, has become the visual and emotional climax of the whole play. Liu Xiliang's Monkey King is full of energy and wit, while Wang Fengxia's Iron Fan Princess shows firmness and tenderness. This scene deeply touched every audience present.
At the end of the play, the audience stood up and gave them a long round of applause and applause for their wonderful performance. The two actors thanked each other on stage, and Liu Xiliang said to Wang Fengxia: "Without you, the Monkey King on this stage would not be so vivid." Wang Fengxia responded with a smile: "It is our joint efforts that have made "Flaming Mountain" a classic. ”
The success of "Flaming Mountain" has made Liu Xiliang and Wang Fengxia's position in the Peking Opera industry more stable. Their collaboration is considered a highlight of the Peking Opera industry in recent years. The two also slowly came together in cooperation and became husband and wife, becoming an enviable couple in the Peking Opera industry.
Fourth, the challenge of life: Wang Fengxia's illness
However, just when Wang Fengxia became famous with "Journey to the West", she was knocked down by the news of breast cancer. After learning of his wife's condition, Liu Xiliang said firmly: "No matter what the road ahead, I will walk with you." At Wang Fengxia's bedside, they recalled the past stage and dreams, even if fate was ruthless, their love became more and more firm.
Wang Fengxia's illness has dealt a heavy blow to the golden boy and girl in the Peking Opera industry. The hospital has become their new stage, and Liu Xiliang has become Wang Fengxia's most loyal audience. Every day, Liu Xiliang would come to the hospital early and take care of Wang Fengxia's daily life carefully. He would read her the news in the newspaper, talk about the outside world, and try to bring some joy to Wang Fengxia with these little things.
During his days in the hospital, Liu Xiliang often recalled their common stage experience to Wang Fengxia. He described in detail the "Flaming Mountain" they performed together, as if bringing Wang Fengxia back to the glorious stage again. Liu Xiliang said: "Do you remember that scene in 'Flaming Mountain'? Our cooperation was so perfect, and the audience was deeply fascinated. Wang Fengxia smiled and nodded, although she was no longer able to return to the stage, these memories warmed her heart like sunshine.
Although the illness tormented Wang Fengxia, she still cared about Peking Opera and Liu Xiliang's career. From her hospital bed, she would ask Liu Xiliang about the latest situation of the Peking Opera Troupe and encourage him to continue to shine on stage. Liu Xiliang would always tell her: "Without you playing against me on stage, everything doesn't seem so meaningful." Wang Fengxia will smile and answer: "You are the best, no matter the stage or life." ”
In the process of Wang Fengxia's treatment, Liu Xiliang never gave up. He set up a small workspace in the hospital so that he could take care of his wife while also taking care of some Peking Opera troupe affairs. He became a bridge between Wang Fengxia and the outside world, conveying her love and concern for Peking Opera to the world through herself.
On the days when Wang Fengxia was slightly better, Liu Xiliang would come to the hospital with a tape recorder and play recordings of their previous performances. The melody of Peking Opera echoed in the ward, and Wang Fengxia closed her eyes, as if she had returned to the stage full of enthusiasm and applause. These precious recordings became her connection to the good old days.
Sometimes, Liu Xiliang would invite their old friends and colleagues to hold small performances in the hospital. Despite their small scale, these performances have always brought great comfort and joy to Wang Fengxia. The highlights of the stage are reproduced in the hospital room, and Wang Fengxia's face often shows a smile of satisfaction and happiness.
As the disease progressed, Wang Fengxia's body became weaker and weaker. Even in such a difficult moment, Liu Xiliang still insisted on telling her about the new developments of Peking Opera every day and playing classic recordings of Peking Opera for her. He tried to use these familiar voices and stories to bring some spiritual comfort to Wang Fengxia.
In the last few days of Wang Fengxia's life, Liu Xiliang always stayed by her bedside. He held Wang Fengxia's hand and softly sang excerpts from Peking Opera that they had performed together. It was a sad song about life and death, but at this moment, it was full of love and reluctance.
5. Eternal Echoes: Immortal Memory
In 1993, Wang Fengxia died of illness at the age of 38. This news caused a huge shock in the Peking Opera industry, and countless fans and peers mourned it. For Liu Xiliang, this is an unbearable loss. He lost not only his partner on stage, but also the love of his life.
At Wang Fengxia's memorial service, the theater was decorated with white flowers, and the atmosphere was solemn and solemn. Liu Xiliang stood on the podium, facing the gathered relatives, friends and peers, and said in a choked voice: "She is not only my iron fan princess, but also an irreplaceable soul in my life." His voice was low and full of sorrow, and every word revealed his deep longing.
At the memorial service, Liu Xiliang recalled the days when he was on the stage with Wang Fengxia. He mentions the "Flaming Mountain" they performed together, and every hard but laughing time they spent together in the rehearsal hall. "Whenever I go on stage, I always feel like she's there and supporting me in her unique way," he said. These words made everyone present feel the deep affection between them.
After the memorial service, Liu Xiliang decided to continue his artistic path with Wang Fengxia. He knows that although Wang Fengxia has left, her love for Peking Opera and her dedication to the stage will never fade. In the following days, Liu Xiliang devoted himself even more to the performance of Peking Opera, using every action and every line to commemorate their common dream and immortal love.
Liu Xiliang's performance in the troupe has become more and more focused and affectionate. He is fully engaged in each performance, as if he is talking to Wang Fengxia through his own performance. Every leap he made on the stage, every change in his expression, was extraordinarily powerful and touching.
At the end of a performance, the audience applauded Liu Xiliang's performance. He stood on the stage and bowed deeply to thank the audience for their support. After stepping off the stage, he said to his colleagues: "Every time I perform, I feel that Feng Xia is looking at me, and her spirit has always been with me." Colleagues have expressed their understanding and support, and they know that Liu Xiliang is remembering Wang Fengxia in his own way.
Liu Xiliang also began to participate in the planning of the troupe's follow-up works, trying to integrate some of Wang Fengxia's ideas and creativity into the new repertoire. He hopes that through these new works, Wang Fengxia's artistic spirit can be inherited. In every rehearsal and discussion, Liu Xiliang carefully considers every detail to ensure that each work reflects Wang Fengxia's artistic style.
In the Peking Opera world, the story of Liu Xiliang and Wang Fengxia is widely sung. Their love and common pursuit of the art of Peking Opera have become immortal memories in people's hearts. Through his own efforts, Liu Xiliang not only maintained Wang Fengxia's artistic legacy, but also made his performance on the stage more profound and touching.
[1] Han Xing, Zhong Zhiyan.Wang Fengxia Feels Beautiful Life[J].Occupation Time and Space,2005,1(13):25-25