The Red Detachment of Women is one of this country's most popular ballets and the National Ballet of China has been producing it for nearly half a century, also taking it around the world for the last 20 years.

The Peking Opera adaptation in 1972 was not that well known but Li Weikang and Du Jinfang became stars for their portrayals of the lead character, peasant girl Wu Qinghua.

Now the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts is reviving the Peking Opera production at the National Center for the Performing Arts on Nov 5 and 6.

The play centers on a Communist Party-inspired group of women on Hainan Island during the civil war in the early 1930s. Wu is liberated and becomes a member of the Communist Party and finally the leader of the group. The opera music won critical acclaim for its dramatic portrayal of the female soldiers and their male leader, Hong Changqing.

Artistic consultants Du Jinfang and Feng Zhixiao helped train the young performers and rehearse the show. Talented young actor Jia Jinsong performs Hong, while actresses Guo Xiao and Zheng Xiao take turns in the lead role.

7:30 pm, Nov 5, 6

West of Tian'anmen Square

6655-0000

(China Daily October 31, 2008)