In the course of more than forty years since its establishment, the theater has experienced the transition of three generations of artists. The backbone performers of the first generation include Li Shaochun, Yuan Shihai, Ye Shenglan, Du Jinfang, Li Hezeng, Ye Shengzhang, Zhang Yunxi, Zhang Chunhua, Yun Yanming, Xue Yanqin, Huang Yuhua, Hou Yulan, Sun Shengwu, Li Hongchun, Wang Yurang, Jing Rongqing, Li Jinquan, Li Huifang, Gao Yuqing, Yan Shishan and Li Jinhong. They originated the unique theatrical style of carrying forward good traditions, being bold in innovation and being good at portraying stage characters.

The second generation is represented by outstanding graduates from China Traditional Opera School in 50s and 60s including Liu Xiurong, Yang Qiuling, Sun Yue, Liu Changyu, Feng Zhixiao, Li Guang, Li Weikang, Wang Jinhua, Wu Juzhang, Zhang Manling, Xia Yongquan, Liu Qi, Kou Chunhua, Li Xin, Yu Dalu, Gen Qichang, Gao Mukun, Li Yan together with Li Shiji, Yang Chunxia, and Qi Xiaoyun who joined the theater in the 80s. These people formed a new artistic force and made contribution in creating images of historic and modern figures.

The third generation is composed of graduates from China Traditional Opera School in the 80s and 90s, and other talented persons recruited including Yu Kuizhi, Diao Li, Zhang Jianguo, Zhang Huoding, Ge Qiaoyun, Chen Shufang, Li Haiyan, Jiang Qihu, Zhao Shuiwei, Li Wenlin, Yuan Huiqin, Deng Ming, Li Hongmei, Wei Jijun, Xu Chang, Huang Mei, Song Xiaoding, Guan Bo, Lu Kunshan and Zhang Wei, who form a new generation of stars.

To date about a hundred historical plays have been created, adapted and performed such as Three Attacks against Zhu-family Village, The Story of the White Snake, Reconciliation between the General and the Minister, Black Whirlwind, The Story of Tiger Hunting, The Boar Woods, The Peach-Blossom Fan, Female Generals in Yang Family, Xie Yaohuan, Red All Over the River, At Mouth of Jiujiang, Chuncao Kicking-up a Row in the Hall, Hongdengahao¡ªa Secret Revolutionary Organization, Soul of the Ming Dynasty, Madam Gantang, The Story of Mounted Outlaws, Peach-blossom Village, Three Mountains, Zhouren Presents Sister-in-law, Li Yuan Visiting Mother, She Saihua, Muguiying in Command, Stealing Military Order, The Battle of Redcliff, The Story of Western Chamber, Sun'an Submitting a Memorial to Emperor, Just Coming out of Thatched Cottage, The Unyielding Magistrate, Li Qingzhao the Poetess, Envoy in a Brocaded Carriage, Legend of Wu Zetian the Empress, Back Court Flowers on a Jade Tree, Precious Lotus Lantern, and Precious Horse the Matchmaker. Dozens of modern plays have been adapted and performed including The Story of the Red Lantern, The White-haired Girl, Butterfly's Attachment to Flower, Love Between Patron and Foe, A Tour of Hong Kong and Northern Country Girl in Red. And over 200 prominent traditional operas and local operas have been rearranged, adapted and performed including Encountering at Y-shaped Road, Gathering of Talented People, Qin Xianglian and Panic-stricken at Han Palace. These plays and operas, each with its distinguishing features, are much cherished by the audience and have produced widespread influence at home and abroad. A number of performers and dramas have won prizes at important international and national competitions. The Peking Opera Theater of China has been to as many as over 40 countries and regions, giving performances in the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, the Great Britain, Australia, the former Soviet Union, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and has acquired high reputation overseas.

Address:       48 Xidajie Ping'anli, West City District, Beijing

Zipcode:        100034

Telephone:     010-66155259

Fax:           010-66182147

	Copyright © 2003 Ministry of Culture, P.R.China. All rights reserved