Nuo Opera, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage and often described as "a living legacy of dance", has lasted for more than three millennia. Originating as an ancient ritual to ward off evil and disease, it later merged with folk drama during the Song dynasty, reflecting the survival wisdom and emotional expression of our ancestors. As time passes, how has Nuo Opera transformed and found renewal? Chen Chunian, a dance student studying overseas, offers a vivid answer with the creativity and perseverance of Gen Z.
Born and raised in Fuzhou, Fujian, a city alive with folk traditions, Chen grew up with intangible heritage deeply rooted in his childhood, shaping his artistic journey. His inspiration to explore Nuo Opera stemmed from historical records of the Song dynasty's "flesh puppets," as well as from the distinctive performance style of one of its branches, Sichuan's Shejian Tiyang Opera.
"Many traditional elements blend naturally with modern street dance, so I began experimenting with my own choreography," he explains. Through his dance training and research into Nuo Opera, Chen blended the classic movements with the texture of popping. Beyond innovating in dance itself, he also handcrafts headpieces, masks, and costumes, pairing them with electronic music to let traditional culture come alive with new vibrancy through the infusion of modern elements.
"I feel the journey has been full of challenges. If you want to create something truly traditional, the biggest problem is that it often lacks audiences and markets," Chen says. He has met with many inheritors of intangible heritage, most of whom struggle with gaps in inheritance. The experience left him both saddened and determined to continue the tradition. "I am trying to find opportunities and bridges that allow more young people to see and connect with this tradition." In his view, the spirit of Gen Z lies in innovation. "We need to combine tradition with what young people love—such as anime-inspired IPs and pop music," He elaborates. Yet the path of innovation has not been easy, often met with doubts and controversy. Still, Chen remains firm in his goal to draw more people toward Nuo Opera. "Many are reluctant, largely because it feels unfamiliar," he explains.
For his university final project, Chen presented an innovative fusion of Nuo Opera to an international audience, winning top marks from his professor.
"In the future, I hope to promote intangible heritage into campuses, performed on overseas streets, and share it with audiences around the world through creative fusion," he says. His initiatives reflect his dedication to ensuring Nuo Opera and intangible heritage transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, emerging from the margins to gain international visibility.
(Reporters: Rainy, Julianne; Camerapeople: Julianne, Tom Qian; Video Editor: Julianne; Editor: Ashley; English Editor: Darius; Producer: Tracy)
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