The ongoing China Shanghai International Arts Festival has shined the spotlight on a number of outstanding theater productions. One example is the new Chinese opera 'Painted Skin', which has made its world premiere at the event. The show uses experimental stage techniques to tell a Chinese ghost folklore, like it has never been told before. Our reporter Hu Chao was there to find out how the unique production was received by audiences.

An ancient Chinese tale of mystery performed through a modern opera. Painted Skin debuted at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center earlier this week. The show only has three performers. Two sopranos are cast as a couple, while a Peking Opera actor took on the role of a ghost. Their love triangle reveals the uncertainty of humanity.

The actor sings a Chinese Kunqu Opera number during the show, adding a traditional flavor. The producers say they are working on creating a new Chinese opera based on this play.

WANG YUANFEIWRITER, 'PAINTED SKIN' "Since the 1970s, we've rarely seen productions using the songs of ancient Chinese opera. But we used a lot of them in Painted Skin. We also quoted a lot from ancient Chinese poems. We want to pay tribute to those masters of Chinese opera."

The show also features many Chinese musical instruments.

YE CONGCONDUCTOR, 'PAINTED SKIN' "Actually, although the singer leads the main melody, the Singapore orchestra ensemble also plays many different melodies coordinating with each other. They form a new type of very refreshing sound. You will smile when you hear it."

As the opera was being staged, a smaller team was also performing on the side. Their scenes were displayed on the stage screen as a backdrop, creating special visual effects. Many members of the audience were very impressed by this experimental endeavor.

"The story develops very smoothly, and the characters express their emotions well. It's amazing"

"Instead of using symphony scores, this opera uses traditional Chinese music to great effect."

HU CHAO SHANGHAI "Painted Skin is one of the more than one hundred shows scheduled for this year's arts festival in Shanghai. Many performances are making their China debut, some even their world premiere. With a month still left in the program, interested theater-goers have plenty of time to discover new potential favorite shows here. Hu Chao, CGTN, Shanghai."