The second half of the Shanghai Peking Opera Company's new adaptation of the classic Chinese novel "The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants" made its debut over the weekend at the Yifu Theater.

The show marks the latest efforts of the troupe's young generation of performers, including Hao Jie, Wang Dun, and Lai Zeshun, who depict a group of ancient Chinese heroes on the stage.

Set in the 11th century during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the play is about the much revered judge Bao Zheng's efforts to fight crime, corruption, and rebellion, with the help of martially gifted heroes.

The troupe's first edition of the play was staged in Shanghai in 1957, running for three consecutive quarters.

When it was performed again in the 1980s, the play turned out to be a sensation, with a total of 100 performances.

Decades later, the first half of the play was reinterpreted and presented to widespread acclaim in 2017.

Many enthusiastic fans had waited six years for the staging of the second half, which focuses on the brotherhood of ancient heroes and features breathtaking martial arts scenes.

Twelve scenes with elaborate mechanisms were presented. Audiences followed the main character Bai Yutang's adventures and underwater battles, which were well portrayed with the support of multimedia theater devices.

Famous Peking Opera artist Fu Xiru also displayed his vocals by singing excerpts in varied styles for the play.

The exact date of the future performance is not set yet, officials from the Shanghai Peking Opera Co said that the two halves of the play will be presented together sometime in the future.