Chongqing — The Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theatre will present a series of traditional performances and cultural activities throughout March, beginning with celebrations for the upcoming Lantern Festival.

The theatre announced on February 26 that its month-long program will feature a special Lantern Festival gathering for its members, alongside multiple staged excerpt performances showcasing classic Sichuan Opera repertoire.

A scene from the performance “Sizhou City.” (Photo/Courtesy of the organizer)

The Lantern Festival, which falls on March 3 this year and marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations, will be observed with a members-only cultural event. Activities will include lantern riddle guessing, interactive games, and opportunities to meet performers. Tangyuan(glutinous rice dumplings), the traditional festival food, will be served.

According to the theatre, participation in this year's Lantern Festival gathering has been expanded to 30 members, following a popular similar event held in January.

A special Lantern Festival excerpt performance will be staged in the afternoon of March 3. The program will feature selections from the traditional Sichuan Opera repertoire.

Additional excerpt performances are scheduled for various dates in March, each organized around a different artistic theme.

Among the works to be presented during the March season are “The Drunken Concubine” and “Farewell My Concubine,” two titles widely recognized within the traditional Chinese opera canon.

A scene from the performance “Little Cowherd.” (Photo/Courtesy of the organizer)

Shen Tiemei, president of the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theatre, said the performances will showcase traditional repertoire while providing opportunities for younger actors.

“Only after the Lantern Festival can we say the New Year is truly complete,” Shen said. “We welcome opera fans to gather in this spring season and embrace the new year together.”

She added that several leading roles during the March performances will be performed by actors born after 2000, reflecting the continued development of Sichuan Opera.