An ancient art's new stage

"East-meets-West stage productions have been controversial," Tan says.

"The most important thing to me is to maintain the core of Peking Opera, including the singing, the movements, the costumes and the makeup."

Peking Opera has been struggling like many traditional arts in recent years. Artists have enjoyed fewer performance opportunities as the demand shrinks. Many performers work part-time jobs or simply quit.

"We've seen a revival in recent years, thanks to government support," Tan says.

"Crossover shows may attract more audiences, especially young people."

Liang Xiang refers to a movement in which Peking Opera performers strike poses. It's also the Chinese name of the company producing the show.

Former TV host Ma Yingying founded the company, Lux Shine Culture Media Co, in Beijing four years ago. The 36-year-old fell in love with Peking Opera after hosting a TV program about it.

She has tried to give it a modern edge by combining the ancient art form with contemporary elements, including fashion catwalks.

"We want to make the show exciting and relevant to today's young people, who've never watched Peking Opera before," Ma says.

She adds that the show's creative team members are in their 20s and 30s, including the director Liu Nengyi, who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama, and scriptwriter Wu Hao, who graduated from the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts.

"I hope the reopening of this historical theater and the new show will enliven this ancient art form," she says.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn