The newly composed Shanghai opera, Return on a Snowy Night, created and arranged by the Shanghai Changning District Huju Opera Heritage Preservation Center (Changning Huju Opera Troupe), premiered at the Hongqiao Art Center on Tuesday.

The drama, based on the classic play by Wu Zuguang and adapted from the 1983 Cantonese opera of the same name by the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe, retains its original style, but integrates characteristics of Shanghai opera voice and contemporary stage expression.

Return on a Snowy Night is set against the backdrop of the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931–45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. It is the annual heavyweight work of the troupe, which aims to cultivate classic adaptations and promote the inheritance and innovation of Shanghai opera.

"The Shanghai Opera version of Return on a Snowy Night combines ideological, artistic, and ornamental elements, preserving the essence of Shanghai Opera while endowing it with classic contemporary value," the lead actor, Wang Bin, said.

The first run of Return on a Snowy Night will last for five days until March 7.