
SHENZHEN Grand Theater, a stronghold of traditional Chinese opera, is trying to appeal to young audiences this year with more drama shows and young stars.
Entering its 16th year, the Grand Theater Art Festival, lasting three months starting Sept. 7, will present 10 programs ranging from drama, vocals and dance to traditional Chinese operas.
Opening the season will be a vocal concert by tenor Zhang Jianyi, baritone Liao Changyong and bass Shen Yang.
Zhang, a graduate of the Julliard Opera Center and Shanghai Conservatory of Music, is a regular guest at the world’s leading opera houses that include the Metropolitan Opera and Vienna State Opera. Represented by Universal, he is a prolific recording artist and opera singer. He is regarded as one of the finest interpreters of Gounod’s “Faust.”
Liao and Shen, among China’s leading male singers, will also be familiar to local audiences. The three performed together in Shenzhen in late 2010.
Fans of traditional Chinese opera will welcome Shaoxing opera “Story of the Western Wing” that stars Mao Weitao and Huangmei opera “Female Son-in-law of the Emperor” starring Han Zaifen.
Li Yugang, who had his break when he won a CCTV singing contest in 2006, will perform in song and dance show “Portrait of the Four Beauties,” acting as four legendary Chinese beauties from ancient times. Popular with audiences of all ages, Li gave a solo concert at the Sydney Opera House in 2009.
Directed by Li Bonan, drama “Half Sugar” is aimed at young audiences. With themes such as love, marriage and changing lifestyles, the show portrays various trends that are common in today’s society.
Another drama, based on the novel by the same name, will attract fans of the TV series “Startling by Each Step.” The story is about the life of concubines and princesses in a royal family but mimics the kind of office politics that white-collar workers will be able to relate to.
Apart from the male vocal concert, there will be a program featuring pianist Liu Shikun and violinist Sheng Zhongguo and another show starring young singers of the Shanghai Opera House.
“Burning Steps” is a splendid dance show presented by the PLA General Political Department Song and Dance Troupe. Directed by Zhang Jigang, the show stars Qiu Hui and Gu Liangliang who performed at the opening and closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
The grand theater will also hold free lectures during the season. (Li Dan)
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