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With an array of Peking opera virtuosi plus the Peking Opera Theatre of Beijing, a star-studded "Peking Opera Gala" will be held in Hong Kong showcasing the richly diverse styles from the traditional repertoire.
The show, which will be staged at the Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre at 7.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (May 9, 10 and 11), features "Subduing the Five Powers" and "Picking Up the Jade Bangle and Famen Temple" (May 9); "The Incident at White Water Beach", "A Chance Meeting with the Empress" and "Beating the Dragon Robe" (May 10) and "Beating Yan Song" and "Yao Qi" (May 11).
Performing in the gala will be national class one and two performers Meng Guanglu, Du Zhenjie, Yuan Huiqin, Zhang Huifang, Deng Muwei, Zhu Qiang, Zheng Yan, Luo Changde, Ma Zengshou, Chang Qiuyue, Bao Fei, Han Juming and Li Haiqing.
Established in 1979, the Peking Opera Theatre of Beijing is the largest Peking Opera performing group in China. It has a legacy of artistic excellence established by some of the greatest names in Chinese opera - Mei Lanfang, Shang Xiaoyun, Cheng Yanqiu, Xun Huisheng (the four greats in huadan or female lead roles), Ma Lianliang, Tan Fuying, Zhang Junqiu, Qiu Shengrong and Zhao Yanxia.
The superb stagecraft and achievements of these outstanding performing artists account for their pre-eminence in the field. The company has many award-winning productions, such as the contemporary historical play, "The Saga of Tong Ren Tang", "The Hunchback Prime Minister", "Mei Lanfang" among others.
The company has toured about 50 countries and has won critical and popular acclaim in China and abroad.
"Peking Opera Gala", with simplified subtitles in English, is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Tickets priced at $100, $220 and $300 are now available at URBTIX outlets, while senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients can have 50% off (limited quotas for CSSA recipients on a first-come, first-served basis). A 10% discount applies to Friends of LCSD performing venues. There will also be group booking discounts: 10% for four to nine tickets, 15% for 10 to 19 tickets, 20% for 20 tickets or more.
For enquiries about the programmes, call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp. Ticketing enquiries and reservations can be made on 2734 9009 and credit card telephone bookings on 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked online at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Monday, April 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:32
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