Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Shanghai Peking Opera Company is offering a year-round series of performances including the company’s most famous productions.
The performances will kick off this month with new interpretations of all-time favorite plays, themed concerts and operatic excerpts as art of the revelry. These excerpts will be staged in a variety of vocal styles.
One of the highlights of the March schedule is "Wu Zetian," a remake of a 1961 play. The production will follow the story of China's first and only female emperor throughout its history, Wu Zetian, who reigned for almost half a century during the Tang Dyansty (A.D. 618-907).
The main role will be played by Shi Yihong, who is dubbed as the "first lady of Chinese opera." The Shanghai-born multi-talented actress is a recipient of the 1994 Plum Blossom Prize.
The 41-year-old artist is one of the few performers who can do both Peking and Kunqu Operas. She previously worked with Cal Zhengren, a veteran Kunqu Opera artist, in comic Peking Opera "Tale of the Horse Peddler" and in a Kunqu Opera classic, "The Peony Pavilion."
In the original production of "Wu Zetian," veteran Tong Zhiqin took the lead role.
Another offering of the March revelry is "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy," a modern version of the Peking Opera adaptation of a Qu Bol-penned novel "Tracks in the Snowy Forest."
The 1958 version was a huge success that led to the story's landing on various Peking Opera movies.
Apart from the young cast, the production also lauds the stunning aesthetics of its sets.
The operatic excerpts to be staged include the action-packed "An Iron Rooster." The seldom-performed production features real spheres in swords in its fighting scenes.
According to Shang Yuejin, the Shanghai Peking Opera Company director, "the distinctive culture and strong creativity of Shanghai have nurtured all these brilliant plays and Peking Opera artists."
He added that the company "will spare no effort to provide a platform for inheriting the tradition and for innovation."
Opening the March schedule is a concert, which will be held on March 21. "Wu Zetian" is scheduled on March 22, while the operatic excerpts will be shown on March 23. The "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" will be staged on March 24.
The celebrations will take place at the Yifu Theater. Tickets are available for 50 to 80 yuan.