Close encounters with art and real life

Chun Ri Yan(Spring Banquet), directed by Li Zhuoqun, features a combination of Peking Opera and theatrical drama. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The story revolves around two couples, an elderly pair who lives in the contemporary world, and a young couple from ancient times. Both the couples fall in love at first sight and get married, but they also suffer from misunderstandings, separation and even death.

The show switches between different times and two different art forms－Peking Opera and theatrical drama.

"These are common topics in our everyday lives. The story is close to the audience and they will see themselves in the show," says Li.

Li was born in Linfen, Shanxi province, and her family all worked for a local folk-opera troupe. She started learning Peking Opera and local operas in her childhood.

Her grandfather taught her to write Chinese by using lyrics from Peking Opera pieces. One of her hobbies was to watch rehearsals in the theater.

Though she has been working at the Beijing Peking Opera Company for just four years, Li already has directed two commercially successful works. That's rare nowadays since the traditional art form is facing challenges.

Li is also credited with opening the market for staging Peking Opera shows at small theaters.