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Peking Opera classics and modern experiments

TWELVE Peking Opera classics and modern experiments will be staged from February 11 to 28 at the Shanghai Grand Theater.

On February 11 and 12, the innovative Peking Opera Symphony Concert "Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans" will open the series of traditional operas.

Based on the documented expeditions of Zheng He during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the performance combines Peking Opera singing with elements from symphony, opera, musical and dance drama.

Performers from the China National Peking Opera Company, Beijing Peking Opera Theater, Tianjin Peking Opera House, Tianjin Youth Peking Opera House and the Shanghai Peking Opera House will perform in the festival.

Many of the shows have won popular and critical acclaim. The repertoire includes the heartwarming Peking Opera classic "Women Generals of the Yang Family," the romantic comedy "The Red Haired Galloping Horse," the newly adapted wartime stories "Sha Jia Bang" and "The Legend of the Red Lantern."

"To preserve and promote age-old Peking Opera, this festival will be an annual performance season of our theater," said Zhang Zhe, director of Shanghai Grand Theater.

Free lectures on history and the culture of Peking Opera will also be given by noted actors and experts during the festival. The performance schedule is available at www.shgtheatre.com, or by calling 6386-8686.

In addition, the well-known Peking Opera artist Shi Yihong from Shanghai Peking Opera House will stage the full set of "Suo Lin Purse" on February 12 and 13 at the Yifu Theater.

In 1940, the masterpiece commissioned by Peking Opera maestro Cheng Yanqiu made its debut in Shanghai and became an instant sensation.

In the old days, a suo lin purse, filled with money, was a gift from a mother to her daughter on her wedding day.

This is the tale of a wealthy bride who gives her purse to a poor young maid.

Fortune's wheel turns, the wealthy family is impoverished and the maid girl becomes wealthy.

The one-time rich bride becomes a maid in the home of the former maid girl, who is now the mistress.

Out of appreciation, the former maid girl treats the bride well and helps her unite with her family.

Festival

Date: February 11-28

Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater

Address: 300 People's Ave

"Suo Lin Purse"

Date: February 12-13

Venue: Yifu Theater

Address: 701 Fuzhou Road




 

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