Peking opera masters Spring Festival gala

Gender reversal is common in Peking Opera. Some veteran male artists playing female roles have created lively artistic images on stage through their excellent performing skills. And females have created many believable masculine images on stage. Folks who attended an opera gala at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing during the weekend saw many good examples of this tradition.

"Wenzhao Pass" is set during the Warring States Period of the Zhou Dynasty. The main character, Wu Zixu, holds a sword and looks very brave. Audiences may find it hard to believe the performer is actually a female.

"Wenzhao Pass" is set during the Warring States Period of the Zhou Dynasty. The main character, Wu Zixu, holds a sword and looks very brave. [File photo]

In the opera "Drunken Royal Concubine", the well-known artist Wen Ruhua fully demonstrates Concubine Yang's sadness and gentleness. The opera tells the story of Concubine Yang who belongs to Emperor Xuangzong of the Tang Dynasty.

Audience Member, said, "The actor in the "Drunken Royal Concubine" is just like a female, the performance is excellent."

In the opera "Drunken Royal Concubine", the well-known artist Wen Ruhua fully demonstrates Concubine Yang's sadness and gentleness.

While audiences are appreciating such interesting and excellent Peking opera performances, they may not be aware of the hard work actors must do to achieve the best effect.

Wen Ruhua, Peking Opera Artist, said, "There are some essential skills for actors to perform a good Peking opera including good singing, a variety of facial expressions and solid dancing skills. It is not easy for one person to achieve all these."

The Peking Opera Masters Spring Festival Gala is a special production by the NCPA to celebrate the Chinese New Year.