The opera “March of the Army and the People,” which premiered in Yan’an in 1939, stands as a significant milestone in the development of a new Chinese national opera. At the Southwest Theatre Exhibition, this production was the only opera presented, and it was also the sole theatrical work originating from the Yan’an liberated area. The performance received widespread acclaim from audiences and sparked enthusiastic discussions. As a representative work of the “Chinese style” new opera, “March of the Army and the People” has made substantial contributions to artistic exploration and innovation, providing a crucial reference and discussion foundation for the new opera movement. Its successful staging at the Southwest Theatre Exhibition marks a significant achievement in the theatrical movement of Guilin Cultural City, reflecting the vital values of “resistance, unity, and progress,” while also underscoring the unique role of the Southwest Theatre Exhibition in consolidating the cultural forces of resistance.
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