110 years ago, a performance at Dongwang Village in Zhejiang Province started the artform today known as 'Yueju Opera'. Now, to mark the anniversary, the Shanghai Yueju Opera House has brought four shows to Beijing.

First in the line-up is "Zhen Huan", based on a 76-episode TV drama about the scheming and manipulation of imperial concubines competing for the emperor's affection.

Yueju Opera

The four-hour stage production, however, focuses more on the sisterly affection between the title character, Zhen Huan, and her best friend, Shen Meizhuang.

The Shanghai Yueju Opera House hopes this production will appeal to young people not otherwise keen on opera. To that end, it is using its younger performers to inhabit the roles.

"I believe this opera version will draw in a young audience because many of them have watched the TV show and they are familiar with the story," said Li Xudan, actress of Shanghai Yueju Opera House.

The production is using a two-storey stage - a device to present flashbacks - and is exquisitely costumed.
 
"This show will give the audience a brand new experience of watching traditional operas," said Li.

"Zhen Huan", along with three other new productions, will be staged at the Mei Lanfang Grand Theater from Tuesday to Sunday.