Zhang Wanting's Captivating Chair Act in Peking Opera

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Dressed in a vibrant red-and-white warrior costume, Peking opera star Zhang Wanting captivates viewers as she balances elegantly on one foot atop the slender handle of a rosewood chair. With remarkable skill, she leans forward, raises her other leg high, and holds two long pheasant feathers from her helmet, evoking the imagery of a soaring swallow.

Performing at a contemporary theater in Beijing to an audience of over 100, Zhang leads the acclaimed Song School production, The Masked Heroine. This marks her first starring role in a complete production, the outcome of over a decade of intense training that began during her childhood.

Hailing from Hebei province, Zhang was first exposed to Peking opera at the tender age of seven. Enchanted by this traditional art form, she joined a cultural center where she trained alongside peers, quickly realizing her innate talent and profound dedication. She later attended a prestigious theater school in Jiangsu, where young performers hone their strength, flexibility, and discipline critical to this demanding art form.

One of the most difficult elements in Zhang's repertoire is the "chair trick," an intricate sequence characteristic of the Song School. This stunt includes leaping through the chair's frame, balancing on its handle with one leg, spinning the chair manually, and hopping attached to the leg of the chair. This skill is rooted in the traditional Peking opera pose known as tanhai (meaning "gazing over the sea") and is influenced by Chinese martial arts, requiring exceptional balance and control.

Conquering her fears was Zhang’s initial challenge. She dedicated an entire semester to practicing on a chair handle that measured merely three inches in width and hovered over two feet above the ground. She carried a chair with her constantly, training tirelessly—executing countless jumps daily while enduring muscle tremors and bruises. After several months, she celebrated a milestone when standing on the chair transformed from a grueling chore to a manageable exertion.

Even with the challenges posed by modern entertainment, Peking opera endures, invigorated by young talent like Zhang, who invest years perfecting their craft. In The Masked Heroine, Zhang embodies Wan Xiangyou, a courageous woman who combats injustice and leads a rebellion in ancient China. The chair balancing act not only enhances the narrative but also adds a dramatic flair that captures the audience's attention.

Now a professional with Beijing’s Jingju Theatre Company, Zhang has graced over 150 performances in nine years, continually evolving and honing her art. To her, mastery is a lifelong endeavor, with the most fulfilling reward being the crowd’s applause at the conclusion of each show.

Zhang Wanting’s unwavering commitment underscores the lasting appeal of Peking opera—a harmonious mixture of tradition, emotion, and artistry that continues to enchant new generations.