Recently, the 79th Edinburgh Festival Fringe Asian Arts Awards ceremony was held in Scotland. The Female Prince Consort, a classic Huangmei Opera production presented by Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Opera Theatre, claimed the Asian Arts Special Award. This marks the first time a Chinese Huangmei Opera work has won an award at a major international arts festival, representing a historic breakthrough for the genre on the global stage.

Staged at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall earlier that month, the production features Han Zaifen and Wu Meilian — both laureates of the China Plum Blossom Drama Prize — alternating in the lead role of Feng Suzhen. It drew audiences from diverse national and cultural backgrounds, earning sustained rounds of applause. A columnist from The Scotsman hailed it as “a performance of a lifetime”, praising its authentic acting, superb vocal delivery, elaborate costumes and meticulously designed sets.

Two other Chinese stage works also earned award nominations. The landmark win carries great significance for the international spread of Huangmei Opera. As one of China’s five major traditional opera genres, it is gaining growing recognition from the global mainstream, with its artistic charm reaching wider audiences across the world.