Zhuhai Huafa & CPAA Grand Theatre put on a sumptuous evening of Peking Opera spotlighting artists Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu on April 19 and 20.

Warmly applauded were masterpieces Lady General Mu Takes Command and Dragon & Phoenix, which respectively embody patriotism and aspiration for good moral fiber.

Lady General Mu depicts the story of a girl known as the genius strategist from Ancient China's Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). She falls in love with the heir of the generals of the Yang family, Yang Zong Bao, and decides to fight for her country. It is a representative piece in Meipai style, which was founded by Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), a celebrated Peking Opera artist.

Li Shengsu has a stage presence of dignity and finesse and is blessed with a voice of sweetness. Her mastery of acting and performing brought the brave heroine to life. Li is head of Troupe 1 in the China National Peking Company and a student of Mei Baojiu (1934-2016), the youngest child of Mei Lanfang.

Peking Opera masters Li Shengsu (L) and Yu Kuizhi (R) 

Dragon & Phoenix was adapted from the Chinese classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It's based on the story of the marriage between Liu Bei and Sun Quan's sister.

Yu Kuizhi commented that both shows are well-known for integrating various genres and reflecting Peking Opera's inclusiveness and richness.

A leading cast member of the China National Peking Opera Company, Yu is proficient at playing the role of elderly men (laosheng) and has become a national household name. He is also vice president of the China Theatre Association.

Both artists found South China's Zhuhai a supportive home full of adoring fans. In a press meeting prior to the shows, Yu said he hopes that more people, especially the younger generation, will fully understand the characteristics and charm of Peking Opera and participate in the inheritance and development of the national treasure.

Meeting the media and fans [Photos by Guo Xiuyu / Zhuhai Daily]

With an over 200-year history, Peking Opera is an important and influential opera form for Chinese audiences. Delivering stories through movement, singing, and elaborate dancing, it is a graceful and consummate art that combines the best elements of literature, music, and dance.