NEXT year marks the 120th birth anniversary of renowned Peking Opera artist Zhou Xinfang (1895-1975). Numerous events will be held to commemorate the achievements of the Peking Opera master.

On January 11 at 10pm, a new documentary revealing his life story will be aired on the local Documentary Channel.

According to the producer, they want to showcase Zhou’s distinctive personality and the unique charm of Peking Opera.

The film features interviews with Zhou’s family and about 10 top theater experts. It examines Zhou’s devotion to his art, innovative performance techniques and the hardships he dealt with in his lifetime.

A native of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Zhou’s affinity with Peking Opera began during his childhood. When he was only 5 years old he started to learn Peking Opera. He made his stage debut at age 7 and by 13 he had become famous and performed major roles with Mei Lanfang and Tan Xinpei.

Despite a light husky singing voice after puberty, he spared no effort to revise old operas and write new plays. Zhou performed more than 650 Peking Opera plays, depicting a wide range of characters from emperor to vendor. He specialized in playing laosheng, old male roles, and is credited with founding the Qi vocal style.

“Zhou gathered a lot of experience from his performances throughout the country,” says Shan Yuejin, director of Shanghai Peking Opera House. “His art is largely based on traditional folk culture and operas. But Western theater and improvisational performances also had an influence on him.”

Shanghai Peking Opera House will also hold many events to commemorate Zhou, including performances, academic forums, a book release for Zhou’s biography and a painting exhibition of Peking Opera characters.

From January 12 to 18, performances from the Qi school of classics and new plays will be staged at Yifu Theater. Peking Opera fans will likely be tempted by historical plays such as “Qin Xianglian,” “Famen Temple,” “Qingfeng Pavilion,” as well as some newly revised plays.

Meanwhile, a Line 10 Metro train will be decorated with images of Zhou’s stage performances until mid-February. The train will also include a map showing where Zhou has lived and worked.

Zhou Xinfang documentary film

January 11, 10pm, local Documentary Channel

 

Performances of Qi school classics and new productions

Date: January 12-16, 18, 7:15pm; January 17, 1:30pm

Venue: Yifu Theater, 701 Fuzhou Rd

Tel: 6322-5294