First cinema chain for Chinese opera films launched in Shanghai

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China's first cinema chain designed for screenings of traditional Chinese opera films was launched in Shanghai on Wednesday, as part of World Theater Day.

The move is a new attempt to preserve and further promote traditional Chinese operas, such as Peking Opera and many other forms of operas in the country.

At least 10 local cinemas in Shanghai are involved, and the chain will include all cinemas which are interested in participating.

A poster for the Peking Opera film "Farewell My Concubine". /VCG Photo

Several 3D films featuring traditional Chinese operas, such as the Peking Opera films “Farewell My Concubine”, “Cao Cao and Yang Xiu”, Kunqu Opera films “The Bell Tolls for a Dynasty”, and Yueju Opera film “Romance of the Western Chamber” have already been filmed with the firm intention of being shown at these cinemas.

In fact, the development of the traditional operas and cinema have been closely intertwined ever since the birth of film as a medium. China's first ever film, “Dingjun Mountain”, was a recording of Peking Opera superstar Tan Xinpei back in 1905.

“The traditional operas were never absent from Chinese film history,” said Shang Changrong, one of the most renowned Peking Opera artists, at the launching ceremony. “The opera films are a combination of opera and cinema, and it is an in-depth exploration in both art and technology, which benefits both artistic forms.”

Fans of traditional operas are excited about the cinema chain's launch as well.

A poster for the Peking Opera film "Cao Cao and Yang Xiu". /VCG Photo

It isn't easy to find cinemas that broadcast Chinese operas. With only a small core audience, cinemas rarely show the performances, but it is expected that with its choice in location and operas being shown, these cinemas will not only benefit the current audience but cause it to expand.

In order to mark the event, the Shanghai Art Film Federation began a “Traditional Opera Film Exhibition” on March 27, during which 11 opera films will be screened at the cinemas taking part.

The opening film is a classic Yueju Opera, "Dream of the Red Chamber”, which is based on one of the Chinese literary classics of the same name.