Peking Opera at Manoel Theatre

As part of its ongoing objective to continue to present a diverse and eclectic season of shows Manoel Theatre, in  collaboration with the Chinese Cultural Centre in Malta, will be presenting an evening of highlights from the classical repertoire of the Peking Opera on May 26 and 27 at 20:00.

With its fascinating and artistic accompanying music, singing and costume, the Peking Opera is China's national opera and presents the audience with an encyclopaedia of Chinese culture; unfolding stories, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and martial arts.

Since Peking Opera enjoys a higher reputation than other local operas, almost every province in China has more than one Peking Opera troupe. Opera is so popular among Chinese people, that a Peking Opera Month has been declared.

The troupe performing at the Manoel is The Peking Opera Theatre of Hubei Province which was founded in September, 1970. Since its establishment, the Theatre has put on more than 100 traditional theatrical pieces and has made guest performances in Austria, the United States as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan regions.

Peking Opera has a 200-year-long history and gradually came into being after 1790 when the famous four Anhui opera troupes came to Beijing. Peking Opera underwent fast development during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi under the imperial patron, eventually becoming more accessible to the common people.

The show at the Manoel Theatre  features excerpts from five operas covering themes from battles, romance and dynastic rivalries to comedy and mythology.

Tickets are €10, €20 and €25 and discounts apply for students and senior citizens. Bookings: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, 21 246389, [email protected].