It’s a story that has been told countless times – the tragic love of an emperor for his concubine. But over the Labor Day Holiday, the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe did something more unusual with Chinese classic “The Palace of Eternal Youth” and revealed to their audience exactly how they told that story.

With the troupe preparing to debut a new version of “The Palace of Eternal Youth” later this summer, they gave fans a demonstration of how they apply the laborious makeup and perform the intricate gestures that comprise the Kunqu form of Chinese opera.

It usually takes between 90 minutes and two hours to finish makeup for a female character. This includes lifting the eyes and eyebrows with strips of cloth, and using hairpieces to modify face shape.

Wang Siya, an actress with the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, said, "Almost every female role in Kunqu opera undergoes the makeup process. It's a unique process in Kunqu opera. I hope that people learn more about the process behind the scenes, and find the traditional art form more appealing."

Wu Peng, deputy director of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, said, "It's been 10 years since the opera was first staged. Now there's a chance to change the cast, and of course, update the costumes, stage settings and visual effects."

"The Palace of Eternal Youth" will be staged at the Shanghai Grand Theater from September 21 to 24, before going on tour around China.