A Taste of Tradition: Chinese Peking Opera strikes a chord in London

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Londoners have had a chance to enjoy the charm of the Chinese Peking Opera over the past week. China's National Peking Opera company treated the British capital to performances of a pair of classics, namely A River All Red and The Phoenix Returns Home, from October the 21st to the 25th. Kang Yubin has this report from London.

In China's history, Yue Fei is one of the most celebrated general and the God of Loyalty in the heart of Chinese people. The Peking Opera A River All Red, also the best known poem by Yue Fei, is based on the true story of General Yue Fei's steadfast patriotism and loyalty to his country even in the face of betrayal.

KANG YUBIN LONDON This is the 3rd consecutive year that the Chinese Peking Opera has performed in Britain. As 2017 marks 45 years' ambassadorial diplomatic ties between China and Britain, this Peking Opera's performance will undoubtedly be a new highlight of China-UK Golden Era and play a significant contribution for the two countries' cultural exchanges.

MARINA AUDIENCE MEMBER Chinese opera is such a, I think an impression of culture.

YU KUIZHI PEKING OPERA ARTIST Through our performances, through the unique art form of this national essence, they could understand our Chinese culture, understand our nation, and more importantly, understand the current spirit of our Chinese people.

Since 2005, the CNPOC has brought productions to Britain for four times. Both the organizers and performers have felt the changes within the British audience.

ZHANG KEWEI, PRODUCER SINOLINK PRODUCTION The British audience, I would say, the level has been reached to understanding Chinese opera, to understanding Peking Opera is getting deeper and deeper.

Li Shengsu, a third generation Dan(women’s role) performer of Mei's style and a student of Dr. Mei Lanfang's son, Mei Baojiu, plays Mrs. Yue in A River All Red and Cheng Xue'e in The Phoenix Returns Home. As a leading actress, she has come to Britain with CNPOC each time.

LI SHENGSU PEKING OPERA ARTIST I was impressed by our audience. At the beginning, they watched the Peking Opera like they were watching a western opera. They sat there quietly. But now they're like the Chinese audience. They want to shout bravo when actors show up.

Peking opera is a mixture of literature, opera, music, dance, martial arts and so on. It is the jewel of the Chinese culture and a treasure for the world. Kang Yubin, CGTN, London.