Peking opera to be shown at the Met in NYC

A scene from 3D Peking opera film "Farewell My Concubine" [Photo: Spider.com.cn]

The Shanghai Peking Opera Theater will stage "Farewell My Concubine" at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art later this month.

The classic piece will be brought to New York City both as an opera and a 3D film.

"Farewell My Concubine" was a masterpiece performed by late Chinese theater mogul Mei Lanfang, founder of the "Mei School" of Peking Opera.

It tells the story of Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu from around 200 BC, and his Consort Yu. As Xiang is surrounded by enemy forces and facing a total defeat, his concubine begs to die alongside her master. Xiang refuses the request, but the consort commits suicide with Xiang's sword.

The opera inspired a 1993 film by director Chen Kaige, starring superstars Gong Li and Leslie Cheung. The film received critical acclaim worldwide, having won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for Best Foreign Language Film, a Palm d'or at the Cannes International Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

For the showings in New York, Peking Opera actor Shang Changrong and actress Shi Yihong will perform the piece, which will run for 12 shows at the Met, starting September 15. The pair are also the main performers in the 3D movie, which will be screened on Crosby Street.

During the run of shows and screenings, the leading actor, actress and stage play director, Hu Xuehua, will also attend exchange activities at Princeton University.