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The original Yueju Opera epic Gallant Sword Through the Ages premiered at the Shaoxing Grand Theater on Oct 7.

Set against the backdrop of the city's thousand-year history, the production brings together legendary personalities like Wang Yangming (1472-1529) and Lu Xun (1881-1936), while blending tradition with innovation.

Wang developed the "Philosophy of Mind" that emphasizes understanding the world from within the mind. He advocated that knowledge and action should be combined, and that one can acquire knowledge through action.

Zhou Shuren, better known by his pen name Lu Xun, left an indelible mark on the literary landscape and cultural ethos of China with his extensive body of work, which includes novels, essays, and poems.

The cross-temporal dialogue between Wang and Lu Xun was a highlight of the performance. Actor Wu Fenghua, who portrayed Lu Xun, reflected on the challenge of capturing his essence: "I revisited his works in hopes of creating a multi-dimensional Lu Xun for the stage. Only by doing so could I reveal his depth and uniqueness to the audience."

The two-hour performance ended with enthusiastic cheers, leaving director Lu Ang optimistic. The production blends orchestral and modern music with elements of dance and martial arts, pushing the boundaries of traditional Yueju Opera.

Following its successful premiere, Gallant Sword Through the Ages is set to be performed in Beijing, with plans for a nationwide tour.