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Classic Chinese Opera one-man shows
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THREE special one-man shows will highlight the annual “Classic Chinese Opera’s Series” at Shanghai Oriental Art Center, running on March 11-April 20. The performances includes Kunqu opera “I, Hamlet” and Peking operas “Cao Qiqiao” and “Lady Macbeth.”
The one-man contemporary Kungqu Opera “I, Hamlet,” based on the Shakespeare’s tragic tale, will be staged on March 15. The 75-minute production features actor Zhang Jun in four roles: Hamlet, Ophelia, the ghost of Hamlet’s father and the gravedigger — in the method of traditional Chinese opera characters known as sheng (male roles), dan (female roles), jing (painted roles) and chou (clowns).
Zhang, a UNESCO artist for peace, is one of the best performers in China. Born in Shanghai in 1974, Zhang began learning Kunqu at 12 and has been a professional Kunqu actor since 1994. Regarded as the prince of Kunqu Opera, Zhang plays the xiao sheng (young man) role and has portrayed many leading characters in famous Kunqu plays, such as “The Peony Pavilion,” “The Palace of Eternal Youth” and “The Jade Hairpin.”
Peking Opera “Cao Qiqiao” and “Lady Macbeth,” as monodramas featuring a Chinese and British lady respectively, will both be presented by Chinese actor Liu Xinran.
Based on Eileen Chang’s fiction “The Golden Cangue,” Peking Opera “Cao Qiqiao” has been well-received nationwide since it first toured in 2011. But it will be the first time the show has been to Shanghai when it is performed on March 22.
“I have always wanted to bring Cao Qiqiao to Shanghai, as it is the hometown of the fictional lady,” said Liu. “I hope the audiences will like it.”
“Lady Macbeth,” to be staged on March 23, will feature not only a crossover of traditional Chinese opera and Shakespeare’s classic but a combination of Peking opera and jazz. Saxophone will replace the traditional huqin (two-stringed bowed instruments) in part of the show, and jazz percussion will take the place of the traditional gongs and drums, according to Liu.
“It is challenging for a traditional opera performer, but at the same time fun,” said Liu.
“Cao Qiqiao”
Date: March 22, 7:45pm
Tickets: 80-380 yuan
“Lady Macbeth”
Date: March 23, 7:45pm
Tickets: 80-380 yuan
Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center
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