3D Beijing opera 'Farewell My Concubine' debuts in Hollywood

Beijing opera artist Shang Changrong (2nd L) and actress Shi Yihong (2nd R) pose for photos before the premiere of "Farewell My Concubine: The Beijing Opera," at Dolby Theater in Hollywood, the United States, May 30, 2014. The first Chinese film using native 3D technology to capture the art of Beijing opera, "Farewell My Concubine: The Beijing Opera," debuted in the Dolby Theater in Hollywood here Friday. [Photo/Xinhua]

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LOS ANGELES -- The first Chinese film using native 3D technology to capture the art of Beijing opera, "Farewell My Concubine: The Beijing Opera," debuted in the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on May 30.

The film, starring 74-year-old famous Beijing opera artist Shang Changrong and promising opera actress Shi Yihong, was shot as an opera, and combined traditional Chinese culture with modern 3D technology.

"When exploring the culture of Beijing opera, we found that there are many performance forms that can be properly presented by 3D technology," the film's director, Teng Junjie, said.

"By combining traditional opera with vivid 3D imagery and the most advanced sound technology in Dolby Atmos, we have created an immersive new experience for the audience," Teng said.

Shang told Xinhua, compared with the stage performance, actors needed to be more meticulous before camera. He hoped more Beijing operas could be filmed with modern movie technology and presented to audiences around the world.

"I started learning performance of Beijing opera at 10. I never dreamed that I would come to Hollywood to promote Beijing opera," Shi said.

"Farewell My Concubine" is a love story based on the legend of ancient hero Xiang Yu and his beloved concubine Yu. Xiang lost a battle for the throne, and Yu committed suicide with his sword.

"Farewell My Concubine: The Beijing Opera" is the first of several Beijing operas planned to be filmed in 3D. It took a Beijing opera theater in Shanghai more than a year to finalize the production.