Peking Opera artists mark PRC's 60 birthday

Shanghai Peking Opera stars Shang Changrong and Guan Dongtian have presented the old story of Yu Chenglong in a new way in Beijing. The performance is their special gift for the 60th birthday of the People's Republic of China.

It's one of the most successful Peking Operas, based on history.

It revolves around an official of the Qing Dynasty.

Yu Chenglong wins praise from Emperor Kangxi for being exceptional honesty.

The plot explores the complexities of human nature.

Since its debut in 2002 in Shanghai, the play has won most of China's major awards.

Its third time to be staged in the capital celebrates the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China.

70-year-old leading artist Shang Changrong can still recall the scene six decades ago.

Shang Changrong, Peking opera artist, said, "Back in the spring of 1949 when I was a child, I stood in the crowds to welcome the PLA troops entered Beijing. Now sixty years have passed. China has seen great changes which are impossible to sum up in a few words."

Shang Changrong plays Yu Chenglong, while Guan Dongtian plays the brother of the emperor. The two make a perfect Odd Couple. Guan is dignified and a little arrogant while Shang is simple and loveable. Guan's voice is resonant while Shang is low and heavy.

Guan Dongtian, Peking opera singer, said, "It's a great cooperation with Mr. Shang. I'm glad to see the audience love the piece, especially the young people. Yu Chenglong is a serious subject, but the story is interesting. Peking Opera is good at learning from and mixing other kinds of arts. But as the late Peking Opera master Mei Langfang says, its family name Peking never changes."

What you are hearing now is the drinking contest between Shang Changrong and Guan Dongtian in "Yu Chenglong."