The stage play Protagonist is on a national tour, telling the epic story of Qin E, a Qin Opera performer, from a shepherd girl to the “Queen of Qin Opera.” The production is crafted by Shaanxi People’s Art Theatre with a meticulous set, costumes, and lighting, bringing nearly half a century of stage drama to life.

Synopsis

Protagonist follows the nearly 50-year life and career of Qin E, a renowned Qin Opera performer. Starting as an 11-year-old shepherd girl, she enters a county troupe because of her uncle but is relegated to a kitchen maid. She apprentices with four veteran Qin Opera artists, gradually working her way from supporting roles to the protagonist.

On the provincial stage, Qin E is drawn into conflicts between leading and supporting roles. The more she avoids competition, the more she is pushed to center stage. Several unfortunate romantic experiences shadow her life, and ultimately her adopted daughter Song Yu, whom she trained, takes over her role. The play explores her unique yet universal tragic fate and portrays other characters caught in the currents of history.

Why You Should See It

Protagonist isn’t just another stage play — it’s a full-scale theatrical epic. With over 500 costumes, 300 lighting cues, and 53 meticulously designed scenes, the production creates a sweeping visual and emotional experience. The story follows Qin E’s rise from a humble shepherd girl to the “Queen of Qin Opera,” blending personal triumph, heartbreak, and nearly half a century of history. Fans of stagecraft will also appreciate that the original team behind White Deer Plain helped bring this story to life, making it a production that’s both grand and carefully crafted. On top of that, the TV adaptation directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Zhang Jiayi will air around the same time, showing just how influential this story has become.