Li Ruihuan, a standing committee member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), watched the performance together with local residents.

Li, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met the actors and actresses after the performance.

The commemorative performance, to be given from October 13 to 19 in Tianjin Municipality, was to mark the 80th birthday anniversary of Zhang Junqiu (1920--1997), a top Peking Opera performer.

Zhang is remembered for his excellent performance and his efforts made in inheriting and developing the quintessence of traditional Chinese art.

He has prevented some Peking Opera plays from being lost by performing 120 Peking Operas in various schools. He also trained a group of youngsters for the art as well.

The commemorative performance was performed by his students.

(People’s Daily 10/14/2000)