Women Generals of the Yang Family, a classical piece from the Peking opera repertoire, is coming to New York. [PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY]

Women Generals of the Yang Family, a classical piece from the Peking opera repertoire, is coming to New York with a performance by a 71-member troupe from the China National Peking Opera Company (CNPOC).

"Today is the joint opening session of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue and Consultation on People-to-People Exchange in Washington and the CNPOC performance will be listed on the cultural outcome list of the dialogue," said Li Liyan, cultural counselor of the Chinese Consulate General, at a press conference in New York on June 23.

"It has been rare for such a big team of this kind to come to the US to perform," said Zhang Jianguo, one of the heads of the CNPOC and a renowned artist who will play two roles in the opera.

As an enduring classic saga of loyalty, bravery, sacrifice and national dignity, the tales of the Yang Family, which were based on historical facts from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), have enjoyed huge popularity for generations.

The stories were first made into a Peking Opera and performed by the CNPOC in 1960. And it caused quite a sensation in China.

The opera focuses on what happened during the war between the Northern Song regime and the Kingdom of Western Xia. Song General Yang Zongbao falls in battle and his grandmother, She Taijun, a 100-year-old widow, persuades the emperor to allow her and her widowed granddaughters-in-law and great-grandson to lead the troops against the invaders. After many trials and tribulations, they eventually defeat the enemy and claim the final victory.

"China used to be a weak country invaded and humiliated by foreign powers," Zhang said. "Instead of males battling in the field, women show their remarkable bravery and unflinching loyalty in this opera, which is part of the Chinese people's spiritual heritage."

With English subtitles provided, Zhang said, as far as he knew, a considerable number of tickets were bought by Americans.

"I believe our performance will bring the audience a feast for the eyes and ears as it includes all of the major roles of the Peking opera stage and a great combination of civilian and military scenes," said Chen Ying, vice-president of the CNPOC.

Founded in 1955 by Mei Lanfang, one of the most famous Peking opera artists, CNPOC is supported by China's Ministry of Culture.