In 2025, the UK Chinese Opera Association marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of Chinese opera performance, education, and cultural exchange in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2015 by artist and cultural leader Joanna Zenghui Qiu, the organization has become one of the most prominent institutions for Chinese opera in the UK. To commemorate this milestone, a virtual celebration was held in May 2025, bringing together past and present members from across the globe. Following the event, I conducted an in-depth interview with Zenghui Qiu to reflect on her journey and the Association’s impact over the past decade.
As a graduate of the Tianjin Opera School and the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, Zenghui spent nearly a decade performing with prestigious institutions such as the Jingju Theatre Company of Beijing and the Mei Lanfang Opera Troupe. After relocating to the UK in 1999, she continued to build her career through high-profile performances at venues such as the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and Birmingham Symphony Hall, as well as international stages including the Barcelona Conservatory and world music festivals such as WOMEX (Spain, 2006) and WOMAD (UK, 2007).
Under the cultural diplomacy initiative of the “2015 UK-China Year of Cultural Exchange,” she performed at the British Museum’s first-ever Chinese New Year celebration. As the lead performer and principal organizer, Zenghui recognized the significance of the moment. This landmark event, which marked the British Museum’s inaugural recognition of the Chinese New Year, became the catalyst for establishing the UK Chinese Opera Association as a formal organization dedicated to advancing the art form in Britain.
Since then, Zenghui has pursued two interwoven paths: her personal career as a Chinese opera musician and educator, and her cultural leadership as director of the Association. As she shared in an interview with the author after the 10th anniversary celebration event on 17th May 2025, these two facets of her life are deeply connected, each one sustaining and enhancing the other.
Her artistic work has consistently embraced intercultural collaboration. She has worked with Western musicians, including contributing to Damon Albarn’s Monkey: Journey to the West, and has served as music director for several major cross-cultural theater productions. Notable credits include Wild Swans at the Young Vic and American Repertory Theater in Boston (2012), Yeh Shen with Yellow Earth Theatre (2015), Why the Lion Danced (2011, 2013), The Golden Dragon with Actors Touring Company (2011), Slippery Mountain with Not So Loud Theatre (2008), and performances with True Heart Theatre and London Playback Theatre.
In her educational work, Zenghui has taught Chinese opera and culture at SOAS, University of London, and has led workshops across the country. After settling in London, she launched after-school Chinese arts and culture programs at St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School. Several of her students went on to participate in the Chinese Bridge competition, one of the most prominent global events for Chinese language and cultural exchange.
Through her leadership at the UK Chinese Opera Association, Zenghui has not only showcased artistic excellence but also cultivated a cultural community. Over the past decade, the Association has performed at significant national venues and events, including Buckingham Palace, London Chinatown festivals, the Bloomsbury Gallery, and the Chinese Labour in the First World War commemoration. The organization has also become a vibrant centre for cultural exchange and community building within the Chinese diaspora in the UK.
One of its most treasured initiatives is the “Chinese Opera Fans’ Home” program. This project brings together members and the public who are passionate about Chinese opera culture. Participants gather regularly to sing traditional opera, play music, share food, and build connections. It is a space of shared heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity within the community.
As it celebrates ten years of achievement, the UK Chinese Opera Association stands as a testament to how traditional art can flourish across borders. Under the continued leadership of Joanna Zenghui Qiu, its next chapter holds promise for even deeper intercultural dialogue, artistic collaboration, and community engagement.
This post was written by the author in their personal capacity.The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of The Theatre Times, their staff or collaborators.
This post was written by Xunnan Li.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.
