Yueju opera

A new version of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, a famous Yueju opera, is staged in Taiyuan on Sept 1. The presentation by the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yueju Opera Troupe tells the tragic love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420). The new version, consisting of seven scenes, adds music and elements from TV dramas to the traditional opera. [Photo/tynews.com.cn]

The traditional Chinese Yueju opera combines Mandarin operatic traditions and Cantonese dialect.

Originating in the Cantonese-speaking provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi in southeast China, Yueju opera is characterized by a combination of string and percussion instruments.

Actors and actresses are dressed in elaborate costumes and their faces are painted.

Audiences can also find elements of traditional Chinese martial arts as the weapons used in the performances are all real.

The stories of the opera involve various fields, including historical epics and realistic descriptions of daily life. Ceremonial, religious and sacrificial elements are also integrated into the performances.