CHINA : The Hangzhou Butterfly Theatre recently staged the premiere of My Grand View Garden, a production that not only captivated audiences but also underscored the critical role of audio in bringing Yue Opera to life. To ensure exceptional clarity and immersion, the theatre invested in a DiGiCo Quantum 225 mixing console, supplied by Rightway Audio Consultant (RAC).

Founded in 1984, the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Theatre has built a reputation for modernising and popularising the artform, drawing in younger audiences while preserving its rich traditions. A hallmark of Yue Opera is its focus on articulation and pronunciation, with performances delivered in the traditional Wu dialect rather than modern Mandarin — making precise, transparent audio reproduction indispensable.

For My Grand View Garden, the audio team deployed the Quantum 225 alongside an L-Acoustics L-ISA system, creating an immersive soundscape that drew audiences deep into the narrative. The console’s power and versatility allowed engineers to manage several complex scene changes and an array of sound effects with ease. And supporting the theatre’s engineers were System Engineer Wang Jianghua and Project Engineer Hao Fange, who worked closely with DiGiCo to ensure flawless results.

“Yue Theatre has a proud heritage and a strong fan-base, so we want everything to go well,” Jianghua explains. “The Quantum 225 is the perfect fit, and not just because of its compact footprint. The ability to utilise all the Quantum features, plus additional benefits like multiple DMI cards and USB MADI, make it endlessly adaptable and perfect for a busy theatre like the Hangzhou Butterfly.”

My Grand View Garden, based on the 18th century Chinese literary classic Dream of the Red Chamber, follows the trials and tribulations of Jia Baoyu — portrayed by Chen Lijun — as he navigates the complexities of society and family. The production’s scale and emotional depth demanded the very best in technical support, with the Quantum 225 delivering the precision needed to accompany every dramatic turn.

“This Yue opera masterpiece interprets all kinds of life stories. The superior acting skills of Chen Lijun and other actors, together with the application of an impeccable audio system, make people unconsciously immersed in the plot, sharing the sorrows and joys with the characters,” concludes Fange. “The Quantum 225 delivers the control required to ride the emotions of the performance, and the intuitive workflow was undoubtedly a massive bonus for the engineers.”