Documentary captures spirit of Peking Opera master

A new documentary, Timeless Qingyi, airs on China Central Television's documentary channel on Thursday and Friday, offering an intimate look into the life and legacy of Shen Fucun, one of the most revered masters of Peking Opera.

Born into an underprivileged family in Chongqing in 1935, Shen rose to become one of the most distinguished Peking Opera performers of his generation. A male actor renowned for portraying qingyi — virtuous and refined female roles — he earned the nicknames "Sichuan Mei Lanfang" and "Chongqing Zhang Junqiu", in tribute to two of the art form's most celebrated masters.

Over a career spanning nearly 70 years, Shen became a national inheritor of this intangible cultural heritage and served as a visiting professor at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 87.

The documentary stands out for its meticulous, deeply human approach to storytelling. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Xu Bei, the three-episode series weaves together archival footage, family recollections and interviews to illuminate both the artist and the man behind the stage persona.

"Through the documentary, we see an artist's refined aesthetic sensibility and the enduring grace of a true gentleman," says Luo Huaizhen, a renowned playwright and professor at Shanghai Theatre Academy.

Luo notes that the film goes beyond a conventional account of Shen's artistic accomplishments. Instead, it situates his life within the broader context of social change and the evolution of Chinese opera, moving away from a "heroic" narrative to reveal the experiences of an ordinary individual. By focusing on the details of Shen's daily life and inner world, the documentary creates a sense of intimacy, making audiences feel as though they are standing beside him.

The series particularly highlights Shen's role as a father and mentor to his daughter, Shen Tiemei, vice-chair of China Theatre Association, capturing a powerful cross-generational artistic dialogue.

"My father left me a lifelong spiritual treasure," Shen Tiemei says. She recalls his unwavering commitment to the creative transformation and innovative development of Peking Opera, describing him as a mirror who continually inspired her to refine her craft.

Determined to carry forward his artistic vision, she hopes to pass on his ideas to younger generations of performers and devote herself to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese opera, ensuring the art form continues to thrive.