A vibrant evening of music, theatre and cross-cultural dialogue unfolded yesterday as members of the Royal Family attended a special Bhutan-China cultural exchange programme celebrating the Chinese New Year. Their Majesties Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck joined invited guests for the showcase, which featured a visiting troupe from China’s Zhejiang Province.
The highlight of the programme was the presentation of Wu Opera, also known as Jinhua Opera, a centuries-old performance tradition from eastern China. Known for its expressive gestures, ornate costumes and commanding vocal style, the art form is listed among China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Audience members were drawn into the dramatic storytelling and stylised choreography that define the genre.
Adding energy and theatrical flair to the evening was a performance titled “Three Triumphs over the Skeletal Demon,” inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The act depicted the legendary Monkey King’s bravery and cleverness through vivid stage effects, including rapid costume changes and striking face-transformation sequences that blended traditional techniques with contemporary production elements.
Organisers said the programme aimed to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties between Bhutan and China. For many Bhutanese spectators, the performances offered a rare opportunity to witness the diversity of Chinese artistic traditions firsthand.
The touring troupe, which first premiered the production in March 2023, has already performed in more than 25 countries. Celebrations are set to continue today with further cultural activities.
