Classic Peking Opera to be staged at upcoming Shanghai arts festival

While this new rendition of The Royal Consort of Tang is based on the original work that premiered 18 years ago in Shanghai, it has been refined for contemporary tastes and to appeal to younger audiences, the show's director Zhu Weigang says.

He says audiences can expect a harmonious blend of the Western symphonic style and traditional Chinese opera.

"This new edition is still inclined toward traditional opera music. The most popular parts of the symphony and chorus have been retained," says Zhu.

It'll also feature more dancing to enhance its visual appeal.

"Yang was said to be the most popular dancer of the Tang Dynasty. So, it's only natural that we have more dancing in the show," says dancer and choreographer Huang Doudou.