Learn About Beijing Opera and Lao She at This Theatre Event, Mar 12

If you’ve ever wanted to test your acting prowess – and how high your vocals can go – on the Beijing opera stage while learning a little bit about more modern Beijing opera, then tomorrow and Wednesday (Mar 12 and 13) are your lucky days thanks to the Beijing Qujiu Opera Lao She Showcase.

It's been organized in honor of the 125th anniversary of Chinese author and playwright Lao She’s birth, and in celebration of one of his most important plays, Teahouse. The play itself, published in 1957, is significant for its study of Beijing life from 1898, through to the end of the Qing Dynasty and birth of the Republic. Throughout the three act play, we meet the tea house owner and a myriad of patrons, following all their fates to the very last.

In honor of this legendary tale of old Beijing, the Beijing Qujiu Opera Troupe will put on a special performance of the play – albeit with a twist.

Tomorrow afternoon, Chinese and foreign participants will be able to interact with members of the Quijiu troupe, who will also guide participants in acting out a scene from the play. This will be followed later in the evening by a showing of Teahouse in its entirety from 7.30pm onwards.

The following day, Mar 13, there will be a special forum on Lao She and opera with guests including the play’s director, scholars of Lao She, foreign actors, and experts of drama and opera.

The Beijing Quijiu Opera Troupe’s Lao She Showcase will be happening Tuesday, Mar 12, from 3.30-5pm, with the forum on Lao She and opera taking place on Wednesday, Mar 13, from 2-4pm at Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, scan the QR code below to join the event. Tickets to the subsequent performance range from RMB 180-480 and can be purchased in person at the Center.

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Images courtesy of the organizer