New Year events in Beijing

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-12-26 11:30

STAGE

Leading Chinese actors will perform a poetry reading show at the Forbidden City Concert Hall. Entitled Love Brings Us Together, they will recite both Chinese and foreign poems and essays portraying the love between partners, family members, friends and strangers. Fang Ming, the famous veteran radio anchor, will host the show and the performers include Ding Jianhua, Wang Jianxin, Xu Huaishan, Qiao Zhen, Wu Jing'an, Yao Xijuan, Xiao Xiong, Ju Xue, Zhang Kaili and Yan Xiaopin.

It will also feature a chamber orchestra and video show.

7:30 pm, Jan 2

Inside the Zhongshan Park

6559-8285

The Monkey King is one of the best-known Chinese legendary figures in the world. Based on Journey to the West, one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature, the adventures of the monkey who accompanies the monk Xuanzang's pilgrimage to India have been adapted into various theatrical productions, movies and TV programs.

A brand-new stage adaptation of the legends, combining Chinese kungfu, dance, acrobatics and drama, will be on.

The six-act "circus dance" show is directed by Chen Weiya, who assisted director Zhang Yimou at the Olympics Opening Ceremony. Chinese composer Xu Peidong scores the music while renowned choreographer Feng Shuangbai creates the dance numbers. Director Chen takes the pick of the episodes in the pilgrimage and put them into six breathtaking Acts: Birth of Monkey, Fight In Heaven, The White Skeleton Demon, The Spider Woman, Volcano City and Paradise.

7:30 pm, Jan 14-23

Beizhan Theater, 135 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng district

5165-8609, 5165-8606

The Peony Pavilion, the classic Kunqu Opera, is on at the Imperial Granary, a perfect venue. The Imperial Granary was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty 600 years ago, exactly the time the Kunqu Opera was written.

6409-6477/6499

22 Dongsi Shitiao, Dongcheng district

380-1,980 yuan, including Royal Peking Roast Duck Buffet

The Chinese Acrobatics Group has toured more than 80 countries and helped foster friendships between other nations. Its performance includes traditional acrobatics, a circus show, magic, old Beijing folk plays and more. The show blends music, dance, local opera and martial arts.

7:30 pm, daily

Tiandi Theater, Dongsi Shitiao, Chaoyang district

6416-9893

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