Peking Opera show puts musical tale center stage

Stepping into Huguang Huiguan, or Huguang Guild Hall in Beijing, people who come to watch a resident musical may find the venue a heart of tradition and innovation. It comes alive with Jinfeng Yulu, or Till We Meet Again, a musical that blends well the timeless artistry of Peking Opera with the emotive power of music.

Opened at the hall on Dec 23, it will run as a resident show in 2025.Set against the historical backdrop of the 1910s to 1949, it tells the story of Chunmingshe, a Peking Opera troupe stationed at the guild hall that unexpectedly becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. The troupe's owner-master, Lai Xifu, is arrested as the prime suspect.

As the troupe faces operational difficulties and struggles for survival, the leading Peking Opera actor, Jin Sheng, who specializes in wusheng (martial arts male roles), takes on the responsibility of rescuing his master and revitalizing the troupe. Amid choices of family, love, friendship and national duty, he fights his way out of the crisis.

"At the core of this show is Peking Opera because the performance is staged at this special venue," says director Li Zhuoqun, referring to the guild hall, a complex of buildings over 200 years old, that is tucked away in a hutong area in downtown Beijing. "However, this is no ordinary Peking Opera."

Infused with a contemporary twist, the show integrates modern musical elements, such as electronic beats and jazz, bringing a fresh energy to the performance and appealing to both traditionalists and the younger generation in the audience.