The show goes from spring to autumn, Shenzhen’s famous opera performances come to an end

With the wonderful performance of "Lotus Lantern" performed by Hebei Bangzi Theater in Hebei Province, the 14th Shenzhen Famous Opera and Drama Masters Exhibition came to an end on November 9.

This exhibition is hosted by the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau and hosted by the Shenzhen Theater. Since its launch in April, top domestic opera troupes such as the Hunan Province Peking Opera Protection and Inheritance Center, Hebei Bangzi Theater, Luoyang Yu Theater, and Nanjing Peking Opera Troupe have successively appeared on stage. Zhang Xuan, Wu Guiyun, Hao Shichao, Sun Na, Qiu Ruide, Guan Meili and other winners of the Plum Blossom Award and Magnolia Award, as well as first-class actors such as Ji Yaoyao, Wang Ming, Dou Qian, Li Wenge, Song Xiaochuan, Li Yongshun, Ren Jinxiang, etc., took the lead on the stage, allowing Pengcheng citizens to immerse themselves in the timeless artistic charm of traditional opera.

Stills from the Peking Opera "Entering Beijing" performance. Photo by Peng Cheng

The Peking Opera "Entering Beijing" presented by the Nanjing Peking Opera Troupe is a communication and exchange promotion funding project of the National Arts Fund in 2026. The play debuted at the Shenzhen Theater on April 24, kicking off the show. The leading actors include Song Xiaochuan, a well-known Ye school niche master, Zhou Enxu, the gold medal winner of the first Qingjing Hui martial arts group, and Wang Can, a descendant of the Mei school. They won praises from the audience with their touching stories and superb performances.

The Henan Opera "Mu Guiying Takes the Command" performed from July 19th to 20th is a masterpiece of the Ma School of Henan Opera and was performed by Luoyang Henan Theater. Guan Meili, a first-class actor and winner of the Shanghai Magnolia Drama and Performing Arts Award, plays the leading role, recreating the legendary female general Mu Guiying with her mellow Mapai voice.

Stills from the Peking Opera "Xiaoxiang Night Rain". Photo by Peng Cheng

From September 18th to 19th, "Xiaoxiang Night Rain" and "Xie Yaohuan" presented by the Peking Opera Protection and Inheritance Center of Hunan Province were well received.

"Xiaoxiang Night Rain" is one of the masterpieces of the famous Peking Opera performing artist Zhao Yanxia. The role of Zhang Cuiluan in the play is played by Ji Yaoyao, a first-class actor from the Peking Opera Protection and Inheritance Center of Hunan Province. During the performance, Ji Yaoyao unfolded Zhang Cuiluan's fate in layers with her delicate performance and mellow singing, which moved many audiences.

Stills from Hebei Bangzi's "Lotus Lantern" performance. Photo by Peng Cheng

The Peking Opera "Xie Yaohuan" is a historical drama adapted by Tian Han in 1961 based on the Shaanxi local opera "Nv Xunwen" in Wanwan tune. The play is starred by Zhang Xuan, winner of the Chinese Drama "Plum Blossom Award" and first-class actor. In the play, she straddles the two professions of Tsing Yi and Xiaosheng, fully demonstrating her acting talents and skills.

From November 8th to 9th, Hebei Bangzi Theater performed Hebei Bangzi's "Zhong Kui" and "Lotus Lantern", using the generous voices of Yan and Zhao to perform a feast of Bangzi opera with both civil and military skills for the Pengcheng audience. These two dramas are co-led by Wu Guiyun, Hao Shichao, Sun Na, and Qiu Ruide, four winners of the "Plum Blossom Award" for Chinese drama, and first-class actor An Shuancheng. The strong lineup is rare among similar performances. (over)