China National Peking Opera Company

Fans of the Asian arts are in for a rare treat this week!

Ten years after their last visit to the UK, the magnificent China National Peking Opera Company will be performing two classic masterpieces for UK audiences at Liverpool’s Echo Arena and London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre, from Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd November.

A story of grief, courage, patriotism and family loyalty, “Warrior Women of Yang” is a rarely seen spectacular. Performed by a cast of over fifty it features music, singing, exquisite costumes and classical painted faces, all infused with dazzling stage combat and acrobatics.

The second show is the full-length European premiere of the renowned “Farewell My Concubine”. Based on the classic tale, this is a beautiful and harrowing story of political unrest, love, sacrifice and honour.

The Peking Opera is a unique art form. To achieve the highest level of performance skills requires a lifelong dedication to practising the art. Most of the artists have to train from a very young age. Students are expected to learn acrobatics, martial arts, acting, singing and dancing, and endure a very tough training regime. Some of the best Chinese action stars and stunt performers such as Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Yuen Wah, Corey Yuen, Chung Fat, Lam Ching-ying, Chin Kar-lok, Josephine Siao, Angela Mao, James Tien and Philip Kwok, to name but a few, learned their skills in Chinese opera before appearing in movies.

elaborately choreographed…an epic charmer – Jan Parry, The Observer (on Legend of the White Snake, 2005)

Despite the spectacular costumes, face painting make-up and stunning stage craft, Peking Opera represents the essence of tradition Chinese value – whatever you would like to achieve, you must work hard through sweat and tears and resist from material temptation. If there is a common identity shared by the Chinese all over the world, it is the Peking Opera. If there is a common tune to draw tears from the Chinese all over the world, it is the Peking Opera.

This is a special opportunity to enjoy the fine art of Peking Opera on the UK stage from one of China’s most pre-eminent performing companies with two of its legendary stars:

Yu Kuizhi whose repertoire includes Female Generals of Yang Family, Loss of Shijieting, The Empty City, Killing Ma Ji, Wu Zixu, The Fourth Son Visits His Mother, Golden Brick, Wild Boar Forest, Reconciliation between the General and the Prime Minsiter, Blood River, and newly arranged plays like Yuan Chonghuan, Mei Lanfang, Zou Xi Kou, Red Cliff, Bosom Friend, The Silk Road and The Great Wall.

Li Shengsu whose repertoire includes The Drunken Beauty, Mu Guiying Takes Command, Legend of the White Snake, Xie Yaohuan and Willow Shadow and Legend of Lady Yang, and others.

It remains for me one of the most thrilling, most penetratingly true of theatrical experiences. – Clement Crisp, Financial Times (on Legend of the White Snake, 2005)

The shows promise to be an amazing experience for audiences of all ages.

Listings Information

Presented with English subtitles

Liverpool
China National Peking Opera Company
Venue: Liverpool Echo Area Auditorium, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4FP
Dates: 13 & 14 November
Times: 7.30pm daily plus 2.00pm Sunday matinee
Tickets: £25 – £85
Booking: www.echoarena.com / 0844 8000 400
Repertoire:
Friday 13 November, 7.30pm Warrior Women of Yang
Saturday 14 November, 7.30pm Farewell My Concubine

London
China National Peking Opera Company
Venue: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN
Dates: 19 – 22 November
Times: 7.30pm daily plus 2.00pm Saturday matinee
Tickets: £25 – £85
Booking: www.sadlerswells.com / 0844 412 4300
Repertoire:
Thursday 19 November, 7.30pm Warrior Women of Yang
Friday 20 November, 7.30pm Farewell My Concubine
Saturday 21 November, 2.00pm Farewell My Concubine
Saturday 21 November, 7.30pm Warrior Women of Yang
Sunday 22 November, 7.30pm Warrior Women of Yang

Book your tickets here before they sell out!

Glen Stanway

Influenced by the movies of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, Glen began training in martial arts and gymnastics in 1995. He made his first of many visits to Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 to learn Chin Woo kung fu under the supervision of Master Teng Wie Yoo. Glen is the author of "The Art of Coaching" and "Fearless The Story of Chin Woo Kung Fu", and runs a kung fu & kickboxing school in Hertfordshire, England.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Kung-fu Kingdom
Logo