Promotion material for Three Charming Smiles Photo: Courtesy of Yue Theatre

Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe in 2001 was poised to promote Xiaobaihua, the brand of Yue Opera, as an indispensable cultural piece in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang Province. Twenty years later, their hopes might come true with the upcoming newly adapted Yue Opera "The Charming Smiles'" which will debut in the Yue Theater in Hangzhou on Thursday.

Yue Opera is one of the most popular traditional Chinese opera forms in China, and  "The Three Smiles" is a classic in the art form. It describes a folk story that Tang Bohu, a renowned man of literature who had multiple talents in poetry and art in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) fell in love with a beautiful maid  of a powerful minister. The servant named Qiuxiang, who was the target of Tang's affection, smiled toward him three times, which attracted him. 

The newly adapted version of 'The Charming Smiles', adopted innovative presentation methods, such as the application of the most advanced LED screen in displaying the garden and pavilion scenes, as well as creating an immersive viewing experience. 

Before entering the show, visitors have the opportunity to interact with Shangguan Wan'er at the exhibition hall to create a piece of ancient music, a digital figure created by Yue Opera artist and producer Mao Weitao. Audiences can also enjoy the immersive experience in the setting of the scene, and have baskets of flowers placed in their sitting areas. 

Yue Opera fans and lovers from all over the world are widely anticipating the debut of this newly adapted Yue Opera classic, which will be performed 16 times until January 19 to liven up the audience at the beginning of 2020.