THE annual monthlong festival of traditional Chinese opera at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center has cultivated a lot of young enthusiasts in the city. In recent years, the festival has been devoted to giving new interpretations and innovation to old classics.

This year’s festival has raised its curtain and will run until April 27.

A total of 17 performances covering four opera styles — Peking, Kunqu, Yueju and Huju — are presented. Among them are classics, modern innovations and new experiments to attract the younger generation.

Shanghai Yueju Opera Troupe will present “Meng Lijun” next Monday. It is a tale of a talented and beautiful woman who dresses as a man. With her wisdom and courage, Meng also challenges social perceptions of how women should comport themselves.

Additionally, the festival also features a highly anticipated performance of Xinchang diaoqiang (新昌调腔), one of the oldest vocal styles in China.

The vocal performance dates back 600 years in Xinchang, Zhejiang Province. It is now on the edge of extinction as very few young artists today can grasp the special vocal skills needed.

The repertoire includes classic excerpts of “The Peony Pavilion,” “The Romance of the Western Chamber” and “The Story of the Han Palace.” The original charm and performance style will be retained in the show.

Another highlight of the festival will be a special performance of “Three Kingdoms,” which will be staged on April 27 to close out the festival.

Organizers say that while Three Kingdoms Period (AD 220-280) is a very common subject in classic Peking Opera shows, this will be the first time Shanghai Peking Opera Troupe combines a Peking Opera performance with pingshu (评书), an oral storytelling art, to present all its legendary stories.

Many of the famous battles and heroes will be depicted on stage in “Three Kingdoms” in an innovative way. The show will also include celebrated Peking Opera artists Shang Changrong, Shi Yihong and pingshu artist Lian Liru.

Date: Through April 27, 7:30pm

Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Rd, Pudong

Tickets: 60-420 yuan

For more details, call 6854-1234.