On September 5, around 10:00 AM Kenya time, Chen Meilan’s creative team from the Zhejiang Wu Opera Academy visited the University of Nairobi for an art exchange. At the Confucius Institute, they delivered an immersive Wu Opera lesson that captivated many students. In fact, five were so inspired that they immediately committed to delving deeper into the art form, seeking ongoing remote guidance from the instructors.

“I’ve learned Chinese opera and know a few songs, but I’ve never tried Wu Opera before. The Chinese culture is incredibly interesting!” Michelle loves Chinese culture, so she quickly signed up when she heard about the chance to meet Wu Opera experts at her school. She didn’t expect that her performance of Ode to Pear Blossoms would get compliments from Wu Opera stars like Yang Xiayun, Lou Sheng, and Chen Lili. Chen even chose to mentor her. Michelle said, “The teacher showed me how to put on makeup. I’ve never felt so beautiful before.”

Han Shaoyu sang “Friends” and caught Lou Sheng’s attention with his voice. Right away, Lou Sheng taught him a piece from the Wu Opera called The Jade Hairpin. They even sang a duet, making other students eager to join in.

Actor Hu Dongxiao’s face-changing performance in Wu Opera was particularly beloved, and students enthusiastically asked him to paint a mask on their faces as well. Zhejiang Wu Opera actors readily agreed, with actors like Liu Fuming and Zhao Kongjie applying makeup for them in different roles, including foundation, eye makeup, and eyebrows. Four students, including Karita, didn’t dare to move an inch, fearing they might accidentally smudge the makeup. After the masks were finished, they were amazed as they posed in character, feeling like they had become rising stars of Wu Opera.

Meanwhile, Karen and a group of students, guided by Yang Xiayun, had the chance to try out various aspects of Wu Opera, including using long ‘water sleeves’ and various stage movements. They got to experience the charm of Wu Opera.

“Wu Opera culture is incredibly fascinating. The actors’ singing and graceful movements are truly beautiful. This performance made me very happy, and I genuinely enjoyed it. It’s truly amazing!” commented the school’s teachers and students as the performance came to an end, and they added, “If the opportunity arises, we will definitely travel to China and watch Wu Opera at a Chinese Wu Opera Theater.” (By Xia Binting)

肯尼亚当地时间9月5日10时许，浙江婺剧艺术研究院陈美兰新剧目创新团队一行受邀来到内罗毕大学作艺术交流，带该校孔子学院学生沉浸式体验了一堂婺剧课，过了一把戏瘾。一众学生被婺剧所惊艳，其中5人还现场拜师，约定以后会认真学习，“请老师们远程监督”。

“我学过中国戏曲，会唱几首，但学婺剧还是第一次，中华文化太有意思了！”米歇尔热爱中国文化，听到学校有与婺剧名家交流的机会，第一时间报名参加。没想到，她唱的《梨花颂》选段受到杨霞云、楼胜、陈丽俐等婺剧名角的点赞，陈丽俐还决定收其为徒。“老师现场教我画了花旦妆，从未觉得自己如此美丽。”

韩绍宇清唱的一首《朋友》让楼胜看到了其在声音方面的潜力，随即现场教唱了婺剧《碧玉簪》选段。两人很快达成默契，完成了合唱，引得其他学生也跃跃欲试。

演员胡东晓表演的婺剧变脸尤其受到喜爱，被学生热情要求为他们也画上一个脸谱。浙婺演员们爽快应下，刘福明、赵孔杰等演员为他们画上了各行当的妆容，打底、勾眼、描眉……只见卡瑞塔等4名学生挺直腰背，“一动也不敢动”，生怕不小心弄花了妆容。脸谱完成后，他们惊叹着搭配角色摆起了造型，俨然把自己当成了“婺剧新星”。

另一边，凯伦等一拨学生则在杨霞云的指导下一一体验了水袖、指法、台步等表演，深入感受婺剧的魅力。

“婺剧文化非常精彩，演员的唱腔、身段非常优美，这场表演让我感到非常开心、喜欢，太神奇了！”临散场时，该校老师和学生依旧意犹未尽，“有机会一定去中国旅游，到中国婺剧院看婺剧”。（夏斌婷 文/摄）