“The Eight Steel Hammers” – A Martial Arts Classic in Peking Opera(Ba Da Chui, 八大锤) Overview:“The Eight Steel Hammers” is a classic martial arts-themed Peking Opera (also known as wǔxì or military play), known for its intense acrobatics, dramatic combat scenes, and heroic characters. The opera showcases the strength, loyalty, and bravery of warriors in […]
Tag Archives: Liyuan Theater Beijing
“The Young Cowherd” – Introduction to a Traditional Peking Opera Duet(Xiao Fang Niu, 小放牛) Overview:“The Young Cowherd” is a charming and light-hearted short piece in traditional Peking Opera, known for its lively melodies, folk flavor, and flirtatious dialogue. This opera originates from northern Chinese folk songs and storytelling traditions, and it captures the simple joys […]
“The Dragon Flirts with the Phoenix” – Introduction to a Peking Opera Classic(You Long Xi Feng, 游龙戏凤) Overview:“The Dragon Flirts with the Phoenix” is a well-known romantic comedy in the Peking Opera tradition. It tells the story of a humorous and heartwarming encounter between Emperor Zhengde of the Ming Dynasty and a clever innkeeper named […]
Here is an English introduction to the Peking Opera piece “The Goddess Scatters Flowers” (《天女散花》): In this elegant and symbolic Peking Opera performance, a heavenly maiden (often interpreted as a Bodhisattva or celestial being) descends from the heavens to Earth. Sent by the Buddha, she comes to scatter sacred flowers over the mortal world. Each […]
Genre: Historical/martial drama (wuxi)Main Roles: Sheng (male), Dan (female), Jing (painted face role) Plot Summary:“Assassinating Bang”, known in Chinese as Ci Bang (刺蚌), is a traditional Peking Opera story set in the turbulent Warring States period of ancient China. The play depicts a bold and strategic assassination attempt, combining martial artistry, suspense, and emotional depth. […]
Genre: Civil and suspense drama (wenxi)Main Roles: Dan (female), Sheng (male), Chou (comic or supporting) Plot Summary:“Stealing the Treasury Silver”, or Dao Ku Yin (盗库银), is a classic suspenseful Peking Opera drama, blending emotional conflict, disguise, and intrigue. The story is set during the Ming Dynasty and centers around a young woman named Dou E, […]
Genre: Wenxi (civil play – 文字戏)Style: Delicate performance with strong emotional expression Plot Summary:“Autumn River”, or Qiu Jiang (秋江), is a classic wenxi (civil drama) in Peking Opera, known for its elegant singing and subtle gestures. The play revolves around a Buddhist nun, Miaoshan, who falls in love with a young scholar. To escape the […]
Genre: Martial play (武戏)Origin: Traditional repertoire of Peking Opera Plot Summary:“Overturning the Chariots”, also known in Chinese as Tiao Hua Che (挑滑车), is a classic martial piece in Peking Opera that showcases spectacular acrobatics and stylized combat. Set during the Northern Song Dynasty, the story follows the legendary general Yang Yansi, the sixth son of […]