On March 15^th, the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) Aesthetic Education Exhibitions presented the captivating dance drama Huiban (The Troupe of Huizhou Opera) at the Auditorium on east campus. Set against the backdrop of traditional Chinese opera culture, the dance drama immersed the audience in a rich theatrical experience through skillful choreography, lighting effects, and stage design.

A dance scene from Huiban. (Image by USTC)

Huiban tells the story of an ordinary Anhui opera troupe. The poetic choreography and the actors' mesmerizing performances and costumes transported the audience back to that golden era of Hui opera, allowing them to feel the ambiance of life at that time. The stage design is also ingenious, with seamless transitions facilitated by changes in light and shadow, spatial segmentation, and scene shifts, ensuring a smooth and natural flow of the overall plot.

Scenes of the Hui opera actors rehearsing. (Image by USTC)

The perfect integration of dance and plot throughout the performance vividly portrays the emotional changes and inner worlds of the characters. Through the dancers' movements, the audience perceives the external conflicts of the society at that time and internal struggles of the characters.

Dance scenes from Huiban. (Image by USTC)

Curtain call of Huiban. (Image by USTC)

After the performance, thunderous applause filled the auditorium as faculty and students expressed their respect and gratitude to the cast and staff in the performance of the dance drama Huiban.

(Written By YANG Sujie, edited by ZHANG Yihang, USTC News Center)