A New Old Play

The narrative spans multiple decades, beginning in the Warlord Era and moving through World War II, the Civil War, the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Great Chinese Famine, and the Cultural Revolution. It portrays how politics and social upheaval continually reshape the lives of performers and their art. The film uses these eras to show the resilience and adaptation of traditional opera under pressure.

The story unfolds across China, anchored in the Sichuan opera world where Qiu Fu performs, and travels to major urban centers like Beijing. It also visits the mythic Naihe Bridge, a liminal space between life and death in the netherworld. The settings blend traditional theatre spaces with historical upheavals, reflecting how art survives amid changing landscapes.

🎭 Art and Death

Qiu Fu’s life as an opera star becomes a meditation on mortality, with the afterlife journey and Meng-po soup framing death not as an end but as a stage direction. The netherworld encounters blur memory and performance, suggesting art preserves a person beyond the body. The film argues that true artistry can outlive its creator by shaping how others remember them.

⚔️ War and Culture

The troupe Endures through turbulent times—Warlord rule, the war against Japan, and political turnovers—showing how culture is both endangered and utilized during conflict. Charity tours and public performances become instruments of resilience and social commentary. The figure of Pocky illustrates how power can both threaten and protect artistic communities.

🧬 Legacy

Generations of performers carry the lineage of Sichuan opera through famine, political campaigns, and regime changes. The film traces personal losses—such as the mortality of Qiu’s daughter and the challenges faced by his family—while highlighting how talent and memory pass from one era to the next. The troupe’s evolving identity points to a living legacy where art shapes future lives even after upheaval.