Peking Opera troupe marks 60th anniversary with first-class shows

Jingju, with a history of more than 200 years, is a synthesis of music, dance, and acrobatics and is widely regarded as a symbolic expression of Chinese culture.[Photo/Xinhua]

A series of 44 classic Peking Opera (Jingju) performances will be staged during the first three months of next year to mark the China National Peking Opera Company's 60th anniversary.

The shows will be on stage between Jan 1 and March 16 at Mei Lanfang Theatre in downtown Beijing, with well-known artists fully displaying the charm of Jingju performances, according to organizers.

The art troupe, established in January 1955, has staged more than 500 Jingju plays with various subjects and genres.

Chinese theater mogul Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) was the organization's first president. To commemorate the 120th anniversary of his birthday, Mei Baojiu, his son and successor, and Beijing Peking Opera Theater have run a world performance tour from 2013 to 2014.

Jingju, with a history of more than 200 years, is a synthesis of music, dance, and acrobatics and is widely regarded as a symbolic expression of Chinese culture. Many historical events were adapted into Jingju plays, which in the past were used to pass on history and ethical principles.

However, due to its relatively outdated style and slow rhythm, Jingju has been losing audiences, young people in particular, endangering the national tradition.