Events planned to honor Yueju Opera masters

Ti Gong

Shanghai Majestic Theater will be hosting commemorative performances in honor of Yueju Opera masters Qi Yaxian (1928-2003) and Bi Chunfang (1927-2016).

Classical performances by Qi and Bi, including "The Oil Seller," "Bride Hunter" and "The Story of Sue San," will take place from July 13 to July 15.

Based on an ancient novel, "The Oil Seller" revolves around the romance of an oil vendor and a prostitute.

"Bride Hunter" is a comedy about Tiger Wang, who abducted Zhou Wenbin by mistake while masquerading as a beautiful woman and forced him to marry her. In the mix-up, Wang facilitated the marriage of his own sister to Zhou.

"The Story of Sue San," or "Yutangchun," is about Wang Jinlong's handling of the case of courtesan Sue San, who is framed for murder and sentenced to death.

All of these performances will preserve Qi and Bi's singing and performing styles. Qi's rich and lingering charisma allows her to represent compassionate and kind-hearted women. Bi's performance is graceful, unrestrained, and natural. She has a clear and elastic voice with a distinct style and excels at comedy.

There will also be a series of fashionable programs aimed at attracting new opera-goers.

At this year's Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on June 22, a flash mob performance will be held at 812 Julu Road to lure young people to Yueju Opera.

Inheritors of the Qi and Bi vocal schools will meet with fans at two art salons at CITIC Square to exchange views.

Jing'an District has funded the event. Organizers hope to attract young white-collar audiences in downtown areas, as well as introduce young people and foreigners to the beauty and creativity of traditional Chinese theater.

Ti Gong

Performance info:

Date: July 13-15, 7:15pm

Tel: 6217-3311

Venue: Shanghai Majestic Theater

Address: 66 Jiangning Rd

江宁路66号