Peking Opera returns to CCM, Handover celebration with two epic tales
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR, present the China National Peking Opera Company in two performances to be staged at Macao Cultural Centre’s Grand Auditorium on December 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Returning to the city a year after its last presentation, this time the Chinese flagship troupe revisits yet another two popular operatic pieces of epic dimensions.
The programme is taking-off with The Unofficial Biography of Taizhen, a Tang Dynasty tale singing the love story of Emperor Ming and his concubine, Yang Yuhuan. On the second evening, opera lovers will be plunged into Mu Guiying Taking Command, a piece depicting the emergence of a national heroine who led the troops against Western Xia’s invading army. An outstanding military deed and a legend who remain to date both a cultural and feminist symbol.
Displaying the whole diversity and development of traditional Chinese opera, these staged tales frequently entail renewed opportunities for performing arts lovers to dig deeper in a wide range of theatrical forms. With its characteristic combination of recitation, dance-acting and martial arts, Peking opera is much more than vocal virtuosity adorned by impressive costumes, make-up and props.
Founded in 1955 by the legendary Mei Lanfang, dubbed the greatest singer-actor-dancer of all time, the China National Peking Opera Company has successfully established a long line of fine artists, playwrights, directors and composers from across the country, shaping a repertoire recognized both at home and abroad.
Co-organised by the Education and Youth Development Bureau, under the scope of this year’s National Art Troupes Season, the plays The Unofficial Biography of Taizhen and Mu Guiying Taking Command will be staged respectively on 17 (Friday) and 18 (Saturday) of December at CCM’s Grand Auditorium. Tickets will be on sale from October 31 (Sunday) at Macao Cultural Centre’s box office and Macao Ticketing Network outlets, priced at $200, 150 and 100, available at various discounts. The Bureau will follow the anti-epidemic guidelines issued by the health authorities and implement appropriate measures, requesting patrons to wear face masks, undergo body temperature checks and present a valid Health Code. For further information please visit www.ccm.gov.mo or call (853) 2870 0699.
