Peking Opera: Farewell My Concubine is a renowned classical piece, a beautiful and harrowing story of political unrest, love, sacrifice and honour. It’s hard not to be entranced by this immense love story and the harrowing consequences of lost battles and pride.
A historical tragedy, a hero failed in battle, his beautiful lover and the handsome warhorse accompanying him towards the end of the inevitable fall of the kingdom, a heartbroken farewell between the lovers via a stunning sword dance.
Peking Opera is a unique art form, a cultural treasure. To achieve the highest level of performing skills often requires a lifelong dedication to practicing the art. Most of the artists have to train from a very tender age at opera school before being an apprentice and learning from the masters.
Not everyone, however, is guaranteed success. Despite the spectacular costumes, face painting make-up and stunning stage craft, Peking Opera represents the essence of tradition Chinese value – whatever you would like to achieve, you must work hard through sweat and tears and resist from material temptation.
In the climate of a largely westernised China, there are still artists who are passionate about the traditional form of Chinese artistic heritage and devote their lives to preserving the century old form of art.
The artists from National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, including the established teachers as well as the young students, pursuit their dreams of keeping this ancient Chinese art from alive and sharing its beauty and stagecraft with the world.
“Beijing Opera is an experience every theatre lover should get the chance to relish.” – British Theatre Guide
“the voices have extraordinary qualities and variation” – Bachtrack
“It’s worth coming just to see the dazzling costumes and richly detailed painted faces but this was primarily a deeply moving performance.” – Dancing Review
