Beijing Opera Troupe to visit CLU

Performances blend singing, dancing and acrobatics

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Beijing Opera combines history, mythology, singing, dancing, acting, face painting, stage fighting and acrobatics.

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Oct. 8, 2008) The 86-year-old Mei Lanfang Beijing Opera Troupe will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in the Preus-Brandt Forum at California Lutheran University.
 
Beijing Opera combines history, mythology, singing, dancing, acting, face painting, stage fighting and acrobatics. The performers wear ornate costumes and elaborate makeup.

Mei Lanfang founded the opera troupe in 1922. He was the first to introduce the art form to the rest of the world when he embarked on a world tour, which included a visit to the United States in 1930. The troupe has performed throughout Europe, Japan, Korea and Canada.

Now the group is visiting Southern California for its first United States tour since the founder’s trip. The performers were scheduled to perform at CLU and other Southern California locations in May, but had to cancel their tour when they weren’t able to obtain visas.

The company’s performers include descendants of the founders of several Beijing Opera schools as well as talented young artists. Their repertoire is a blend of classical and modern styles.

The performance, which is sponsored by CLU’s Multicultural and International Programs office, is free. Tickets to the troupe’s shows at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood range from $28 to $288.

For more information, call (805) 493-3302 or e-mail arowley@callutheran.edu.

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