The original Huzhou opera A Leaf premieres at the Huzhou Grand Theatre on Nov 19. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

The original Huzhou opera A Leaf premiered at the Huzhou Grand Theatre in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 19.

The performance was part of the Chinese "Culture City of East Asia" exchange activities. Representatives from 17 cities designated as Culture Cities of East Asia and local residents watched the performance.

A Leaf is inspired by a true story. Tea farmers and grassroots Party members in Huangdu village, Anji county, donated 15 million tea seedlings to Guizhou, Hunan, and Sichuan. They taught local villagers about tea planting, cultivation, and processing, and helped them expand sales channels and establish tea factories, promoting the "Zhejiang experience". 

The tea seedlings eventually flourished on the ground thousands of miles away, bringing prosperity to locals.

A scene from the performance. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

The drama also explores the fusion of traditional Huzhou opera with modern arts. Applying modern rotating stage devices, it features both traditional opera techniques and modern theatrical art.

During the nearly two-hour performance, the audience was deeply captivated by the story. The dramatic plot and vivid performances earned enthusiastic applause.