14 May 2014
In the afternoon of 10 May 2014, the experimental Peking opera “Back to Life” jointly produced by the teachers and students of the Chinese Opera College of the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA), as the opening performance of the 7th Theatre School Directors’ Conference & Theatre Festival of the UNESCO ITI Asia-Pacific Bureau, was successfully staged at STA’s Duanjun Theatre. After the performance, Li Sha, director of the play, answered the questions from the audiences and gave a presentation.
This play shifted away from the traditional Peking opera in its stage, lighting and costume designs, and featured some bold experimentation and innovation. By blending modern elements into the traditional Peking opera, it incorporated some entirely new permutations and combinations to meet the life style and aesthetic taste of people today. Using Peking opera as the carriage to convey the philosophical content, the open ending of the play was thought-provoking for people today.
Most of the performers of this play were Year 1 and Year 2 students of STA’s Chinese Opera College, as well as a few Year 3 students. The preparation period for this play was short and tight, making it a challenging and tough exercise for each of the students involved. Although the performance was not perfect, it reflected the enthusiasm and efforts that the director, performers and supporting personalities had devoted to it. As far as the experimental Peking opera is concerned, it was a novel and interesting try.
Photo: Stage photo of “Back to Life”
Photo: Stage photo of “Back to Life”
