China’s 500-year-old Wu Opera brings martial arts and music to Harare

 

 

A Chinese theatre tradition combining singing, acrobatics and martial arts is coming to Harare, with the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Centre set to perform at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on October 12 and October 13.

The show, billed as Wu Opera in Africa, begins at 7pm, with doors opening at 6pm. 

Also known as Jinhua Opera, Wu Opera comes from Zhejiang province in eastern China and has a history stretching back more than 500 years. Its name draws on Wuzhou, the ancient name of Jinhua, where the tradition developed.

For audiences encountering it for the first time, the attraction goes beyond the singing. Elaborate costumes, painted faces, stylised movement and physically demanding stage action help tell stories through both sound and spectacle.

The art form combines six traditional vocal styles, bringing together lyrical passages and forceful singing. Martial scenes demand precision and agility, while quieter moments draw on gesture and movement to convey emotion.

According to the organisers’ background material, its repertoire includes The Legend of the White Snake and Havoc in Heaven, stories exploring themes such as love, courage and justice.

The visiting ensemble is the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Centre, also known as the Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe, alongside the Wuyi County Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance Centre for Wu Opera.

The event is hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, and the Jinhua Municipal People’s Government. The China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre is the executive organiser.

Presented as an evening of cultural exchange and friendship between China and Africa, the performance will bring a living Chinese theatre tradition to the Harare stage.

The Friday event is by invitation only while the Saturday event is open to all with tickets available on https://tikiti.co.zw/events/wu-opera-in-africa-13-10-2026