Cao Zhen caozhen0806@126.com THE First Troupe of China National Peking Opera Company, China’s top Beijing opera troupe, has returned to Shenzhen for the second Beijing Opera Art Festival, bringing shows and events to local fans. With financial support from Futian District’s special funds for promoting cultural and sports development, the cheapest ticket to a show is only 50 yuan. Hosted by the Publicity Department of Futian District Committee of the CPC and Futian Public Culture and Sports Development Center, and organized by local ticketing and performance company AC Orange, the festival opened Thursday night at Futian Auditorium with a selection of classic Beijing opera routines by esteemed performing artists Yu Kuizhi, Li Shengsu and more. Yu, a leading artist playing the “laosheng” (old man) role, is the artistic director of the China National Peking Opera Company, while Li, a “dan” (woman) performer, is the director of the company’s first troupe. The duo, favored by Beijing opera fans of all ages, will be headlining three upcoming shows. Inaugurated last year, the Beijing Opera Art Festival aims to provide Shenzhen fans with affordable tickets and promote traditional Chinese culture. In addition to the ticketed shows, the performers will invite locals to join two free events Saturday, introducing Beijing opera knowledge and performing selected parts of some shows. Participants will have an opportunity to win tickets to the shows. Beijing opera, with content based on rich Chinese history and folklore, combines music, literature, dance, fine arts and acrobatics. With a history of more than 200 years, Beijing opera is one of China’s main traditional drama forms and is on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. Free events Time 1: 3-4:30 p.m., Nov. 2 Venue: Nanyuan Subdistrict Sports and Cultural Center (南园街道文体中心) Metro: Line 7 to Chiwei Station (赤尾站), Exit C Time 2: 7:30-8:30 p.m., Nov. 2 Venue: Music hall of Futian District Cultural Hall (福田区文化馆音乐主题馆) Metro: Line 2 or 9 to Jingtian Station (景田站), Exit E Ticketed shows 1. ‘The Red-Haired Galloping Horse’《红鬃烈马》 Time: 8 p.m., Nov. 1 Venue: Futian Auditorium (福田会堂) Metro: Line 3 or 7 to Shixia Station (石厦站), Exit G 2. ‘Dragon and Phoenix’ 《龙凤呈祥》 Time: 8 p.m., Nov. 3 Venue: Shenzhen Grand Theater (深圳大剧院) 3. ‘The Return of the Phoenix’ 《凤还巢》 Time: 8 p.m., Nov. 4 Venue: Shenzhen Grand Theater (深圳大剧院) Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Grand Theater Station (大剧院站), Exit B |