Chongqing - Liza Bielby, an American Sichuan opera enthusiast, has long been captivated by the art form and is now regarded as one of the most knowledgeable foreigners about it. On December 21, during the city's Winter Solstice celebrations, she had the opportunity to meet Shen Tiemei, known as the "Queen of Sichuan Opera. "
Liza Bielby, an American Sichuan opera enthusiast, has long been captivated by the art form and is now regarded as one of the most knowledgeable foreigners about Sichuan opera. (Photo/Yin Shiyu)
As part of the cultural festivities, the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theatre hosted a special performance titled Enchanting Sichuan Opera, which captivated the audience with vibrant displays of Sichuan culture.
Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theatre hosted a special performance titled Enchanting Sichuan Opera. (Photo/Yin Shiyu）
"I can hardly believe it. Today is the Winter Solstice, and I'm here in Chongqing at the Sichuan Opera Theatre, meeting Shen Tiemei, a legend in the world of Sichuan opera. She's watching the performance with me and sharing her insights. It's like a dream come true," said Liza, overwhelmed by the experience.
Liza's journey with Sichuan opera began over 20 years ago when she first encountered it during her time in Chengdu. At university, she performed in The Good Person of Szechwan by Bertolt Brecht, a play that sparked her interest in Sichuan. She later moved to Beijing to study Chinese and learned that Wei Minglun, a famous Chinese playwright, had adapted The Good Person of Szechwan into a Sichuan opera. Her growing fascination with the art form led her to Sichuan, where she studied Sichuan opera from 2002 to 2005 at the Sichuan Arts Vocational College.
In 2003, Liza made history as the first foreigner to participate in the Sichuan Provincial Youth Peking Opera Performance Competition. Since graduating in 2005, Liza has continued her passion for Sichuan opera, becoming a bridge for the art form between China and the West. She is fluent in both Mandarin and Sichuan dialects, and she has worked on translating and introducing Sichuan opera works to American audiences, ensuring its unique traditions and performances reach a global stage.
Her admiration for Shen Tiemei dates back to her studies in Chengdu. "I first heard about Shen Tiemei during my time in Chengdu. She's known as a genius in the world of Sichuan opera. I had always hoped to meet her, and now, with the help of Chongqing artist Tian Mansha, I'm finally here, in Chongqing, meeting my idol," Liza said.
During their meeting, Liza and Shen shared a rich conversation about the art of Sichuan opera. Shen, who has spent decades pushing the boundaries of Sichuan opera while maintaining its traditional roots, spoke about the art form's evolution. "Sichuan opera is a genre that shapes characters and reflects reality through operatic conventions. We honor our traditions but always strive to innovate. We welcome modern influences while staying true to the essence of Sichuan opera," she shared.
Liza Bielby receives a book from Shen Tiemei. (Photo/Yin Shiyu)
Shen has taken Sichuan opera to international stages, performing in countries such as South Korea, France, and Switzerland, helping to raise global awareness of the genre. Her international success has made a lasting impact, bringing Sichuan opera to venues such as the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Lincoln Center in the United States.
Liza, who has translated several Sichuan opera scripts, hopes to continue bridging the cultural gap between the two worlds. She dreams of sharing the beauty of Sichuan opera with more people in the U.S. and beyond.
"Shen Tiemei's artistry and her contributions to Sichuan opera deserve to be known by more people," Liza said. "In my hometown, Winter Solstice is also a time to make wishes. Today, I'm in Chongqing making a wish—to return one day to learn even more from Shen Tiemei and continue sharing Sichuan opera's beauty with the world."