China's opera troupe performs in Guyana

Chinese opera artists from Zhejiang province staged an electrifying performance in Guyana Tuesday night.

The event at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown saw music, dance, and acrobatics showcased in what many described as a significant cultural masterpiece.

China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, said the event aims to promote strong cultural exchanges and friendship with the people of Guyana. “We place significant importance on people-to-people exchanges, and this cultural event demonstrates the strong ties between two friendly nations,” she added.

In addressing the audience, the diplomat also noted that Chinese people are no strangers to Guyana since they are considered one of the nation’s ethnic groups.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Minister of Culture, Charles Ramson Jr., said the activity is a partnership that allows both sides to accept and understand each other’s beliefs and traditions. He said, “China has had a long-distinguished history, especially in relation to culture and its displays. This is one of the areas in which we were looking forward to collaborating with China.”

Wu Opera, also known as Jinhua Opera, has a history of more than 500 years and is the second major regional operatic genre in Zhejiang Province.

The Zhejiang Wu Opera troupe showcased several performances, including "9-Piece Segmented Dragon", Suona Solo "Picking Dates", "the Sedan Ride" and "Three Triumphs Over the Skeletal Demon", using well-choreographed and acrobatic moves.

The event, which was jointly sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport of Guyana, saw dozens of people in attendance.

Members of the Chinese community in Guyana, including locals, members of the diplomatic corps, and other invited guests, were in attendance.

The second show was performed by the troupe on Wednesday evening at the same venue.