The Shanghai stage will display 54 domestic and foreign
performances, including the local Anhui Huangmei opera "Female
Emperor's Son-in-Law" and an all-time classic by Verdi "Aida", from
November 1 on.
The second Shanghai International Festival of Arts, hosted by the
Ministry of Culture and undertaken by Shanghai Municipal People's
Government, will be held from November 1 to December 1, and will
include stage art performances, art exhibitions, public cultural
activities and an international performing art fair.
With 5000 props and a cast of over 1,500, the opera Aida will have
world-class singers in its leading roles.
On
a 5,000 square meter stage with a 30-meter-high Sphinx in the
middle, many animal stars will also be in the performance, which is
the first of its kind in China.
The opera Female Emperor's Son-in-Law, which made its debut 42
years ago and achieved remarkable success, is set to be staged at
the Festival.
As
a work of Anhui Huangmei Opera, the opera is a legendary play in
ancient costumes, which features an ancient Chinese girl with
wisdom, courage and a tender heart.
Other activities at the festival will include the Shanghai Asia
Music Festival 2000, the Shanghai International Fireworks Festival
and lectures.
(People's Daily 11/01/2000)