Chinese humor and an opera about a bat

A new version of Die Fledermaus, a classical tale of revenge written by Johann Strauss, blends Chinese humor and Western opera.

Die Fledermaus has a tradition of being tailored for local audiences wherever it is performed, and China is no exception. This performance marks the third time director Stephen Lawless has put on Die Fledermaus.

The production by the National Center for the Performing Arts includes Chinese comedian Chen Peisi, who plays a gaoler. Chen worked with Lawless to rewrite the script, playing to local humor, including Chinese puns and cultural references.

The musical score highlights the composer's best waltzes, polkas and marches. Renowned conductor Li Xincao will take up the baton.

7:30 pm, Aug 17-19. National Center for the Performing Arts. West of Tian'anmen Square, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.