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Peking Opera Troupe of Beijing presents "Yan Xijiao", a revolutionary reinterpretation of the traditional classic "Black Dragon Residence", from October 31 to November 2 at the Hong Kong City Hall.

"Yan Xijiao" is part of the Legends of China Festival presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

The work boldly explores ways in which a contemporary revamp reveals the beauty of traditional Chinese opera to modern sensibilities.

"Yan Xijao" is adapted by Wang Xinji and directed by Xu Chunlan, with music composed by Zhu Shaoyu.

There will be two casts: Guo Wei, Zhu Qiang and Li Hongtu perform on October 31 and November 2;Liu Shanli, Gao Tong and Bao Fei perform on November 1.

"Yan Xijiao" is the story of a love - and hate - triangle involving a woman and two men.

The heroine, Yan Xijiao, is the concubine of Song Jiang, a district official. But she has an affair with Zhang Wenyuan, Song's apprentice, and is anxious to leave Song for her lover. One day, she discovers a letter proving that Song has had secret contacts with rebel troops on Liang Shan. . She tries to use the letter to force Song to annul their marriage, but Song kills her in a rage. Yan's ghost returns to the mortal world in search of Zhang, in the hope of rekindling love. But what she sees is a totally revolting side of her lover ...

The Peking Opera Troupe of Beijing, established in 1979, has staged over 300 opera classics representing various schools of the art and many modern and contemporary works. The troupe has won a host of important national prizes, including the Gold Award of the Peking Opera Festival.

"Yan Xijiao" will be presented at 7.30pm at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre from October 31 to November 2. Lyrics and dialogue come with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $100, $150 and $200 are available at all URBTIX outlets.

Half-price tickets are offered to senior citizens, full-time students, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Recipients. For group bookings and packages, discounts of up to 20% apply.

Telephone reservations can be made on 2734 9009. For credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.gov.hk.

Programme details can be found in the brochures obtainable at URBTIX outlets or at www.legendsofchina.gov.hk.

For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044.

Ends/Thursday, October 9, 2003

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