Troupe to herald Lunar New Year with Peking Opera

"In addition to his singing, my grandfather was known for his dancing and acrobatic skills," says Shang Huimin, who now teaches performers of the Jingju troupe. "This is difficult for young students to learn."

In the past few years, there were few students following the Shang style, she adds.

"But since I was invited to give classes at Jingju Theater Company of Beijing last year, I am glad to see that young actors work hard to understand the performing techniques created by my grandfather."

Young Peking Opera practitioners today also use technology to promote the art form, such as streaming their daily practice sessions and communicating with fans on social media.

Dou Xiaoxuan will also perform on Saturday.

The 31-year-old graduate of the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts has been studying under famous Peking Opera actresses, such as Du Jinfang and Li Weikang.

Dou, who has been with Jingju Theater Company of Beijing since 2006, will perform excerpts from The Peony Pavilion, a Kunqu Opera piece written by Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) playwright Tang Xianzu.

"I want to perform differently in this show so I decided to perform Kunqu Opera," says Dou, adding that she is keen to have the audience appreciate the beauty of Kunqu, an even older art form that was once dominant in southern China.

The Jingju troupe is supportive of young actors learning Kunqu Opera because many Peking Opera masters also learned it, she says. 

If you go

7:30 pm, Saturday-Sunday. Forbidden City Concert Hall, west of Tian'anmen Square, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6559-8285.