Theatrical performances hit the world

"Many of these are well-known Western classics with an Eastern interpretation, and some of these are original stories that are less familiar to local audiences. We hope that this program will offer audiences in the UK a glimpse of China's top performing arts," says Li Congzhou, CEO of Beijing-headquartered ATW Culture, who co-initiated Global Stage on Screen along with UK-China Film Collab, a UK NGO for the research, practice and creation of "modern film diplomacy".

"We selected the Peking Opera Sacrifice, which is based on the 1947 version performed by the celebrated Peking Opera actress Meng Xiaodong (1908-77), who was known for her command of male roles," Li says.

In the 1947 version, Meng played the role of Cheng Ying and when Wang interpreted the role, she paid tribute to Meng, Li adds.

"Everything onstage, from the performance, singing and live band to stage presentation, was exactly the same as the 1947 version," Li says. "For some audiences in the UK, the screening of Sacrifice may be their first experience with Peking Opera."

Besides theaters in the UK, the screenings are also shown at universities there, Li adds.