Wednesday, August 20, 2014 – Sunday, August 24, 2014
David H. Koch Theater
20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
The 120th anniversary of Mei Lanfang presented by Jingju Theater Company of Beijing
In 2014, the 120th anniversary of the most outstanding Peking Opera performer of all times, Mei Lanfang, will be celebrated. He was the first actor ever to present Beijing Opera in foreign countries. Mei Lanfang’s son Mei Baojiu, together with other outstanding stars of the Jingju Theater Company of Beijing, Mei Lanfang Jingju Troupe will present “Classic Plays of the Mei School” and “Lady Mu Guiying Takes Command” in the United Stated of America.
Classic Plays of the Mei School:
Wednesday, August 20 at 19:30
Saturday, August 23 at 19:30
Classic Plays of the Mei School includes the performance of five operas: The Goddess of Heaven Scatters Flowers,Lian Jinfeng· Pierce the Mussel, Resisting Jin Troops, Farewell My Concubine and Drunken Beauty. The show begins with one of the most historically significant works by Mei Lanfang, The Goddess of Heaven Scatters Flowers, in which a heavenly woman performs a poetically expressive ribbon dance. Described by Mei Lanfang as “a messenger of peace,” the goddess of heaven ascends above the clouds and scatters flower petals onto earth, showering mankind with love and joy. A unique sword dance is another highlight of the show.
Lady Mu Guiying Takes Command:
Sunday, August 24 at 14:00
When Western Xia invades Northern Song, retired old general She Taijun sends her great grandchildren, Yang Wenguang and Yang Jinhua to the capital city for information. Wenguang defeats Wang Lun, son of the treacherous official Wang Qiang, in a martial arts competition held to select the marshal who will lead the army against Western Xia forces. Mu Guiying, Yang Wenguang’s mother, has long held a grudge against the emperor. Persuaded by She Taijun and others, the patriotic general Mu Guiying agrees to lead the army in battling invaders.
For more information about the event, please visit:
http://www.davidhkochtheater.com