Modern echo of Canjun Opera: "Comedic" dance revives life of ancient performers

During the Tang Dynasty, Canjun Opera was typically performed by two actors: one portraying the witty and humorous "Canjun" and the other the endearingly clumsy "Canghu." However, the lives of these performers were far from glamorous. Many entered the profession out of necessity, entertaining nobles and officials to earn a living.

In reviving the green-glazed male pottery figures from the Tang Dynasty, the choreographer from the China Coal Mine Art Troupe sought not only to recreate the physical language of Canjun Opera, but also aimed to unveil the tragic essence hidden beneath its comedic surface, shedding light on the hardships endured by ancient performers. Through this artistic expression, the director and performers aspired to deepen audiences' understanding of Canjun Opera—not only as a theatrical form but also as a reflection of the historical and cultural context embodied by these pottery figures.