New Cantonese Opera

Guangzhou Opera House will stage the modernized Cantonese opera Qingguo Qingqing, written by Hong Kong theatrical arts expert Li Kui Ming on March 10 and 11.

The opera grabs the audience as it delves into the twists and turns of the love story of Li Qingzhao, a woman poet in the Song Dynasty (AD 420-479). Audiences will wonder as to how the poet smartly turns down the emperor's wooing and how she and her husband protect the famous painting Along the River during Qingming Festival.

The writer creates suspense and laughs to the accompaniment of a big band.

Li Shuqing, winner of the Plum Blossom Prize, China's top theatrical award, will play the role of the heroine. Earlier showings will be staged in Foshan, Guangdong province's Qionghua Theater of Foshan on Feb 25 and 26.

7:30 pm, March 10, 11. Opera Hall of Guangzhou Opera House, Exit B1 of Zhujiang New Town subway station, Guangzhou. 020-3839-2888.

Folk operas sound out

A series of Chinese folk opera shows will be presented at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center from March 9 to April 15. The first of the series will be Lu You and Tang Wan, a Yueju opera play that tells the tragic love story of an ancient Chinese poet. The show will feature Mao Weitao, an actress famous for playing male roles.

7:15 pm, March 9 and 10. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, Opera Hall, 425 Dingxiang Road, Shanghai. 021-6854-1234.