Peking opera: The Orphan of Zhao

The Chinese Opera Festival invites you to discover the varied forms of opera that were popular in Ancient China. The first evening celebrates Peking Opera with the play The Orphan of Zhao.

Summary:

During Spring and Autumn period, the noble Zhao Family from the Jin State falls victim to a conspiracy by the treacherous Tu Angu, and all its members but one are exterminated. Cheng Ying, a doctor and friend of the family, sacrifices his own son to save the last descendent of the Zhao family. As an adult, he avenges his family.

The Orphan of Zhao was adapted by Voltaire with the title The Orphan of China (L’Orphelin de la Chine) during the 18th century, thus becoming the first Chinese play presented on a French stage.

Play performed by the Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts

Main actors: QIU Shi, WANG Ting, MENG Xianteng, HAN Shengcun, YU Shuai 

For more information on other activities during the festival, visit the website of the Cultural Center of China.