分类： entertainment

In the serene mornings of Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, the air resonates with the melodious voice of Wan An’an, an 84-year-old national treasure and inheritor of Fuzhou Tea-picking Opera. This art form, deeply rooted in local folk traditions and performed in the Fuzhou dialect, is celebrated for its vibrant rhythm, expressive gestures, and the unique ‘tea flavor’ that narrates the lives of ordinary people.

Wan’s journey with the opera began at the tender age of 14 when she joined the Fuzhou Tea-picking Opera Troupe. Despite the lack of professional tutors and proper props, her dedication never wavered. Her career peaked in 1959 when she played Xiaolan in the revolutionary drama ‘Red Pine Forest,’ earning national acclaim and the honor of performing for state leaders.

Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2011, Fuzhou Tea-picking Opera owes much of its preservation to Wan’s efforts. Even after retiring from the troupe in 2001, she continued to teach, emphasizing the importance of daily practice and audience interaction. Her teaching method blends rigorous training with creative imagination, using classic excerpts to teach the essential coordination of eyes, hands, body, and steps.

In recent years, Fuzhou’s cultural scene has been enriched by international exchanges, such as the Tang Xianzu International Theater Exchange Month, which has seen performances like an English adaptation of ‘The Peony Pavilion’ by a troupe from the University of Birmingham. Wan views these exchanges as a profound dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures, offering opportunities for Fuzhou Tea-picking Opera to learn and evolve.

Despite her age, Wan remains active in workshops and performances, advocating for the opera’s traditional charm while embracing modern elements. ‘Tea-picking Opera deserves a broader stage and a brighter future,’ she asserts, her passion undimmed by the years.

Lee Soon-jae, a towering figure in South Korean entertainment, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, as confirmed by his agency. With a career that spanned over seven decades, Lee was affectionately known as the ‘national TV dad,’ a testament to his iconic portrayals of wise and endearing older characters. Among his most celebrated roles were the strict father in the 1991 soap opera *What on Earth is Love* and the lovable grandfather in the hit sitcom *High Kick!*, which aired from 2006 to 2012. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the nation, including heartfelt messages from K-pop stars and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who praised Lee for bringing ‘laughter, emotion, comfort, and courage’ to audiences. Lee remained active in his craft until recently, winning the grand prize at the 2023 KBS Drama Awards for his lead role in the comedy series *Dog Knows Everything*. Born in 1934 in Hoeryeong, now part of North Korea, Lee moved to Seoul at the age of four. After studying philosophy at Seoul National University, he found his calling in acting, inspired by Sir Laurence Olivier’s performance in *Hamlet*. Over his illustrious career, Lee appeared in approximately 140 TV shows and continued to perform on stage until October 2024, when illness forced him to withdraw from a production of *Waiting for Godot*. Beyond acting, Lee briefly ventured into politics, serving as a member of parliament from 1992 to 1996. His legacy endures not only in South Korea but also globally, as scenes from *High Kick!* have become viral memes on platforms like TikTok. Fellow actors, including Yoo Yeon-seok and Jeong Bo-seok, have hailed him as a mentor and a guiding force in their lives. Lee Soon-jae’s contributions to Korean entertainment have left an indelible mark, ensuring his place as a cultural icon for generations to come.

The Indian film industry has lost one of its most iconic figures, Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89 after a prolonged battle with illness. The veteran actor, celebrated for his contributions to Bollywood, breathed his last at his residence, surrounded by his family. Media reports indicate that an ambulance was seen departing from his home under tight security, as preparations for his final rites began at the Pawan Hans Cremation Centre. His wife, Hema Malini, and daughter, Esha Deol, were present to bid their final farewells. The news has sent shockwaves across the nation, with Bollywood director Karan Johar describing it as the ‘end of an era.’ Earlier this month, Dharmendra was hospitalized due to breathlessness, prompting visits from several prominent actors. Although he showed signs of recovery and was discharged for home treatment, false reports of his death circulated on November 12, causing confusion and distress. His family urged the media to respect their privacy and refrain from spreading misinformation. Tributes have poured in from across the industry, with many recalling his unparalleled legacy in Indian cinema.

International music icon Jennifer Lopez brought her signature glamour and energy to Udaipur, India, over the weekend, headlining the wedding reception of Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju. The multi-talented performer dazzled guests with a high-octane show, delivering renditions of her global hits, including ‘Waiting for Tonight,’ ‘Play,’ ‘Save Me Tonight,’ ‘On the Floor,’ and ‘Get Right.’ Her electrifying performance, paired with her captivating dance moves, created an unforgettable atmosphere of celebration and entertainment.

Dubai is set to redefine New Year’s Eve celebrations with an unprecedented eight-day festival, announced by Emaar on November 24, 2025. For the first time, the festivities will extend beyond the traditional countdown, running from December 31 to January 7. The heart of the celebrations will be Downtown Dubai, transformed into a sprawling multi-point stage featuring synchronized shows across the Burj Khalifa lake, Dubai Mall promenade, and the iconic tower’s façade. The event promises to be a visual and sensory feast, with live performances, fireworks, light and laser displays, and cutting-edge technology. While the broader celebrations will be free and open to the public, premium front-row access at Burj Park will require ticketed entry. Tickets, priced at Dh997.5 for adults and Dh577.5 for children aged 5–12, are available online. The event will also feature a grand parade showcasing Dubai’s culture through larger-than-life floats, performers, and puppets. Emaar has teased that the full performance lineup remains a surprise, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees.

The highly anticipated film ‘Wicked: For Good’ has made a monumental impact at the global box office, raking in an impressive Dh830 million during its opening weekend. This cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical not only broke a nine-week slump in North American ticket sales but also set a new benchmark for film adaptations of stage productions. In the US and Canada alone, the film grossed $150 million (approximately Dh550.8 million), marking the third-best domestic opening weekend for a musical, trailing only Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ (2019) and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2017).

Directed by Jon Chu and featuring a star-studded cast including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, ‘Wicked: For Good’ has been hailed as a triumph for Universal Pictures. The film’s success is attributed to its enduring source material, inspired casting, and a robust marketing campaign. Industry analyst Daniel Loria praised Universal’s bold decision to split the musical into two films, calling it a ‘fantastic feat’ that has paid off handsomely.

Despite mixed critical reviews, audiences have embraced the film wholeheartedly, awarding it an A grade from CinemaScore and a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie’s appeal to younger viewers has been particularly noteworthy, with Comscore’s Paul Dergarabedian likening its cultural impact to that of ‘The Sound of Music’ for older generations.

Beyond North America, ‘Wicked: For Good’ garnered an additional $76 million from 78 international markets, bringing its total global opening weekend earnings to $226 million. This performance has revitalized the North American box office, which had struggled to surpass $100 million in ticket sales for nine consecutive weeks. Universal’s president of domestic theatrical distribution, Jim Orr, expressed immense satisfaction with the film’s reception, highlighting the years of dedication from the cast and crew.

‘Wicked: For Good’ is not just a box office success but a cultural phenomenon, proving the enduring power of musical storytelling in cinema.

Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae musician and actor whose soulful voice and powerful lyrics defined a generation, has died at the age of 81. His family announced his passing on Monday via his social media platforms, attributing his death to a seizure followed by pneumonia. The statement expressed gratitude to his global fanbase, emphasizing that their unwavering support had been a source of strength throughout his illustrious career. Born James Chambers in Saint James, Jamaica, Cliff rose to prominence in the 1960s as a key figure in the reggae movement, alongside legends like Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert, and Peter Tosh. His breakthrough came with the 1972 film *The Harder They Come*, in which he starred as Ivanhoe ‘Ivan’ Martin, a struggling musician turned anti-hero. The film, though initially a commercial flop, later became a cultural landmark, with its soundtrack hailed as one of the greatest in reggae history. Cliff’s music, including timeless hits like ‘Many Rivers to Cross,’ ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want,’ and ‘Vietnam,’ resonated with audiences worldwide, blending themes of resilience, defiance, and hope. His career spanned decades, earning him two Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Beyond his musical achievements, Cliff’s influence extended to social and political spheres, with his songs adopted as anthems for movements and covered by artists like Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon. His legacy as a pioneer of reggae and a voice for the marginalized remains indelible.

Bollywood legend Dharmendra, often hailed as a ‘Greek God’ for his striking looks, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of timeless performances. In a poignant excerpt from a 2018 interview, the veteran actor candidly shared his feelings about being labeled as ‘good looking.’ Dharmendra expressed a sense of embarrassment over the compliment, revealing a humble and introspective side to his larger-than-life persona. ‘I felt embarrassed to be called good looking,’ he admitted, reflecting on how his appearance often overshadowed his dedication to acting. The interview offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a star who, despite his immense popularity, remained grounded and self-aware. Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, as fans and colleagues mourn the loss of a true icon whose contributions to Bollywood will be remembered for generations to come.