Classics taking on a fresh, youthful approach
The new version of "Cao Cao and Yang Xiu" stars Yang Donghu (right) as Cao Cao and Chen Shengjie as Yang Xiu. It is a historical play set in the Three Kingdoms Period (AD 220-280).
Three of veteran Peking Opera master Shang Changrong's original plays will be re-staged by young performers in Shanghai.
The inheritance of Shang's trilogy “Cao Cao and Yang Xiu,” “Grand Occasion in the Golden Years of Zhenguan” and “Honest Official Yu Chenglong” has been a project of Shanghai Peking Opera Company since 2015 to cultivate young artists.
“Zhenguan” refers to the flourishing period of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) between years 627 and 649. This was the heyday of the dynasty as well as one of the most prosperous periods in Chinese history.
It was a period of unprecedented economic and social prosperity in which people were high-spirited, open-minded and willing to try new things.
Shang, who debuted in “Cao Cao and Yang Xiu” some 30 years ago, has been invited as the art director of the new productions.
The 77-year-old veteran says the trilogy used to win many theater awards and he hopes that young performers of today will never lose their passion for art.
“The classics will take on a new look with new artistic flavors,” says Shan Yuejin, director of Shanghai Peking Opera Company. “Young performers have received special vocal and acting coaching from Shang to depict the historical characters.”
"Grand Occasion in the Golden Years of Zhenguan"
Date: September 27, 7:15pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 People's Ave
Tickets: 50-580 yuan
Tel: 6386-8686
"Cao Cao and Yang Xiu"
Date: October 1, 7:15pm
Venue: Yifu Theater, 701 Fuzhou Rd
Tickets: 50-380 yuan
Tel: 6322-5294
"Honest Official Yu Chenglong"
Date: October 11-12, 7:15pm
Venue: Yifu Theater, 701 Fuzhou Rd
Tickets: 50-380 yuan
Tel: 6322-5294
