Most people have heard of Peking Opera, but have never seen one. With the Peking Opera Festival, Wu Promotion offers a unique experience of one of China's most acclaimed art forms.

After two celebrated festivals in 2012 with performances in five countries, Beijing's renowned Peking Opera ensemble will return to European stages this month.

The festival will include a selection of original Peking Opera plays that combine all the characteristics of a true opera performance: drama, singing, music, dancing, martial arts and acrobatics.

Beyond that, an introduction to some of the key facts about Peking Opera will also be presented, including basic background knowledge about the meaning of gestures, make-up and the elaborate costumes, which will help the audience to understand the fundamentals of this mysterious genre.

The Peking Opera Festival is designed for all those who want to enjoy an unforgettable stage experience with some of the most recognized Peking Opera stars and grasp the splendor of China's principal national art treasure.

Classic opera excerpts such as The Legend of the White Snake, The Red Maid and The Goddess of Heaven Scatters Flowers will be presented.

Date: May 19-June 2

Venue: Lucent Danstheater, The Hague, Netherlands; Brucknerhaus Linz, Austria; Piccolo Teatro di Milano, Italy

Website: www.pekingopera.eu

(China Daily 05/03/2013 page31)