'Farewell My Concubine'

Yu Ji, the beloved concubine of Xiang Yu, was once the youngest sister of Yu's family in the countryside of Mu Yang. Zhang Liang, the son of Prince Ji and Yu's adoptive brother, later became one of Liu's counselors.

Zhang is captured by Xiang but saved at a crucial moment by Yu, who suddenly recognizes him. Four years later, Xiang is besieged by Liu's army in the city of Gai Xia. Unwilling to see Yu die with him, Xiang pretends to be drunk and drives her away.

Yu leaves and encounters Zhang who has come to take her out of danger. But she declines his offer and returns to Xiang. Plaintive songs roar from all sides and the couple say their last farewell. Then Yu commits suicide, leaving the hope of living to her husband.

A grand celebration

A series of Yueju Opera performances by Shanghai Yueju Opera House will be staged at Yifu Theater to celebrate the theatrical art's 100th anniversary.

The first two shows will be held later this month, in which dozens of young famous performers will sing classical arias with singing skills applied when Yueju Opera first came into being.

"Through performing these original arias and skills, we try to display to the audience a vivid track of development that Yueju has covered during its early years," says Han Lei from the local Yueju Opera house.

More concerts will be staged in May and July, in which classical songs of the latter half of the 20th century as well as excellent new plays will be performed. "We will display both traditions and changes, and look into the future," Han says.

Performers will wear specific costumes according to their songs to portray distinctive characteristics of certain periods.

The first celebrating show

Date: March 28-29, 7:15pm

Address: 701 Fuzhou Rd

Tickets: 60-380 yuan

Tel: 5353-0054

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