TRADITIONAL Chinese opera made a successful return to Shenzhen on Saturday, acclaimed by many people who have been ignoring traditional opera for years.

The popularity of China's foremost opera stars was shown by prolonged applause between acts and audiences who were unwilling to leave at the end of the performance.

Against a backdrop with the traditional Chinese symbols of peonies and plum flowers along with Beijing opera images, the 13 artists performed their masterpieces, which many in the audience had not heard since their childhood.

All 13 artists are leading performers in Chinese opera. Big names are extremely important in this art form since Chinese operas are household stories that need skilled interpretation.

Wang Lijun, well-known Beijing opera artist, performed "The Wild Boar Woods" from "Legends of the Water's Edge," one of China's best-known novels. On the stage with flying snowflakes and gale-force winds, Wang performed the role of a former government official exiled for refusing to give his wife to a high official's son. Wang, in modest blue clothes, shouldering a spear with a jar of alcohol hanging from it, sang resonantly and indignantly, fully expressing the sadness and anger of the wronged official.

Hu Meiling, known as the "queen of Henan opera," performed a selection from "Hua Mulan," the story of legendary woman general Hua Mulan, who joined the army in place of her old father. Hu wore a general's uniform, but her expression was that of a charming lady hoping to go home after the war.

The performance of Ma Lan, a Huangmei opera artist, was as elegant and emotional as a Western aria.

Zhu Shihui, one of the best-known clowns in China, performed the role of Xu Jiujing, an ugly but talented man promoted to a high position. His humorous performance earned warm laughter from audience.

Shang Changrong, well-known Beijing opera artist, closed the evening with "The Execution of Chen Shimei." Shang performed the role of legendary Chinese judge Bao Zheng, who sentenced Chen Shimei, the son-in-law of the emperor, to death, for attempting to kill his ex-wife and sons. The role is Shang's masterpiece, and his performance won thundering applause.

Many middle-aged operagoers chased the artists like pop fans after the concert finished. "The operas brought me back to my youth," said one man.

Editor: Wing