Classic play gets act together

Hu Weilu plays the role of Liu. As a female Kunqu Opera performer, Hu received training in taking on young male roles.

According to Guo, such cross-gender performances have a long tradition in the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, which has a history of 45 years.

"Cross-gender performances display a unique aesthetic of traditional Chinese operas," Guo says.

In the past, most traditional opera performers were male, so the practice of cross-gender performance was common, as some had to perform female roles.

In modern times, the tradition of cross-gender performances has remained, now moving in both directions.

"It's a bold move to let this young actress, Hu, play the leading role of the male protagonist in the 55 acts of The Peony Pavilion," says Guo.

Hu rehearsed for eight months in Shanghai last year with the rest of the team to prepare for the role. "I am a naturally quiet and reserved person, but in these acts, I had to open up myself for many scenes, for example in the sections where Liu shows his passionate love for Du," she says.

The company has staged more than 10 versions of The Peony Pavilion, according to Gu Haohao, director of the company. "Those versions trained and inspired many young Kunqu Opera performers, as well as building up a large fan base for the ancient art form," Gu says.

"The 55-act version of The Peony Pavilion is the result of multiple contributions from many of the company's artists, young and old, who brought this classic work alive."

After its Beijing stop, the production will be staged in other Chinese cities, such as Zhengzhou, Henan province, and Weifang, Shandong province.