Rebirth of Canghu on stage: A modern interpretation of Canjun Opera

In “Green-glazed Pottery Male Figures”, I portray “Canghu”, a character from Tang Dynasty’s Canjun Opera, who stands in stark contrast to “Canjun”.

Photo of Geng Jinxian, performer of "Canghu" in the dance production "Green-glazed Pottery Male Figures", during an exclusive interview with Guangming Online.

While “Canjun”exudes confidence and arrogance, “Canghu” occupies a lower status, both in the historical context and within our dance performance. He is often the subject of mockery, using his grotesque antics to entertain the nobility. Much like the “Chou” (comic) roles in Chinese opera, “Canghu” is cast as the clown. To bring the character to life, I’ve drawn inspiration from the exaggerated movements, gestures, and steps of the “Chou” character to infuse the role with authenticity and depth.

Canjun Opera, by its very nature, is a duet. Aside from drawing from the traditions of Chinese opera, I have also sought inspiration from other forms of art, particularly "Xiangsheng" (crosstalk). The dynamic of two performers, one playing the comic role and the other the supportive role, closely mirrors the interplay between “Canjun” and “Canghu”. Additionally, we’ve incorporated elements from sketch comedy, such as the classic “falling off the stool” move, adding a lighthearted, physical touch to the performance.

Historically, comic actors who performed in Canjun Opera were not highly regarded. They were mainly performing as a means to feed themselves. Most performed to entertain the elites and aristocracy, driven more by survival than passion. Yet, when we reinterpret Canjun Opera through a modern lens, we don’t aim to convey a sense of despair. Instead, we wish to convey an uplifting, optimistic spirit. We don’t want the audience to simply see two clowns playing for laughs; we want them to feel the deeper, more positive message beneath the surface – a story of resilience, hope, and human spirit.

Photo of "Canjun" and "Canghu", played by dancers Wang Zhen and Geng Dixian, in the dance production "Green-glazed Pottery Male Figures". (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

In my interpretation, “Canghu” does not choose to play the fool out of vanity or pleasure, but out of necessity. In the cultural and historical context of Tang Dynasty, he was driven by the need to survive, to care for his family. His smiles and comic gestures are often born of inner conflict, a disconnect between the external performance and his true feelings. In the dance, I seek to express this inner struggle – the tension between his outward humor and the sorrow behind it. At the same time, I also aim to highlight his resilience and unwavering optimism. Through this performance, we hope that the audience will not only enjoy the dance but also understand the story behind the figurines. We want them to feel Canghu’s internal world, to connect with the history and culture he represents, and to resonate with his attitude toward life.

For me, the most important part of this performance is helping the audience grasp the cultural significance of the “Green-glazed Pottery Male Figures”. Though the original form of Canjun Opera has been lost to history, its influence on subsequent Chinese opera art forms is undeniable. Through our dance, I hope to bring this once-vibrant art form back to life, letting audiences learn about this form of opera, understand that Canjun Opera was not just a performance by two actors, but a reflection of a deep, mutual support between two individuals throughout their lives. The spirit of this bond transcends time, and is still capable of moving and inspiring us today.

A still taken from the dance production "Green-glazed Pottery Male Figures".

In this sense, “Green-glazed Pottery Male Figures” is not merely a dance performance; it is a tribute to history, culture, and the human experience. Through the character of “Canghu”, we invite the audience to see beyond the surface of Canjun Opera, so that they will perceive the human strength, the cultural stories, and the timeless emotions that lie behind it. As the dance unfolds under the stage lights, those ancient lives and feelings seem to awaken once again. We hope that all the audience will feel the enduring beauty of art, find a personal connection with the past, and allow the echoes of history to continue resonating in the present.

Contributed by Geng Jinxian, performer of Canghu in the dance production “Green-glazed Pottery Male Figures”.