Xiqu

“Space, time and dramatic movements in Beijing opera are fictitious, while the logic of stories, human emotions and ideas are ‘real’. The plot of Princess Changping, the struggles and suicide of the prince and princess are imaginary, but the love and their devotion to the country as Chinese are real. As Peking opera actors, we face every character, all our audiences and every touching story that has been passed down through history in a truthful way.”

Eminent opera artists Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu will star in the premiere of Princess Changping in Hong Kong, the first-ever creation to be performed in Beijing dialect with accompaniment from a Beijing opera orchestral ensemble. Princess Changping first premiered in 1957, and this signature work by Tong Tik-sang remains an all-time favourite of Hong Kong audiences.

Hailed as the finest exponent of the Laosheng (old male) role in China, Yu Kuizhi was honoured by the Chinese Cultural Craftsman and Ambassador of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Yu has also taken the troupe to performances all across the world, with a total of more than 500 masterful historical dramas staged by the Company since its formation six decades ago.

Li Shengsu is one of the most brilliant specialists in the qingyi or dan (female) roles. A disciple of the style made famous by Mei Baojiu and Mei Lanfang, Li was the first-ever Beijing opera artist to perform at Vienna’s famous Musikverein in 2004.