The Royal Consort of Tang is also part of the classical Chinese opera series at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center. The theater has been presenting traditional Chinese opera art during its spring season for 12 consecutive years.

Another production for the upcoming 13th installment of the classical Chinese opera series is Peach Blossom Fan. The play, created by Kong Shangren (1648-1718) in 1699, tells the story about the fall of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the confrontations between loyalist scholars and followers of the new Manchurian regime, as well as a love story between a righteous scholar and a courtesan. The play will be staged by Jiangsu Kunqu Opera Theater on March 18 and 19.

Tian Qinxin, a dramatist and director of the National Theater Company of China, created a production of the opera 15 years ago.

"Her setting of a play within a play ingeniously put Kunqu performers in a bigger historical context, and gave the opera more depth," recalls Shan Wen, who played the heroine in the original production.

Shan will reprise her role in the new production.

Also revived for the new season at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center is a dance theater production Along the Silk Road by the Song and Dance Troupe of Gansu province. The production was created in 1982 and is based on the music and dance scenes depicted in the frescos of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. An updated version will be presented on May 14 and 15.

While foreign musicians and productions have difficulty visiting China due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Shanghai Oriental Art Center has managed to bring together some of China's best musicians and theater artists for its new season, such as soprano Huang Ying, pianist Yuja Wang and violinist Lyu Siqing.

"The Shanghai Oriental Art Center has been recognized as a leading theater, presenting classical concerts since our opening 17 years ago," says Luo Xueqin, the Shanghai Oriental Art Center's deputy manager.

Sun Yu, head of the culture, sports and tourism administrations of Pudong, says the east wings of the Shanghai Library and the Shanghai Museum will be completed later this year. The two new venues, together with the Shanghai Oriental Art Center, will form an important cultural hub in the district.

"We hope the Shanghai Oriental Art Center will be deeply involved in the development of a new cultural ecology in the area," he says.

Contact the writer at zhangkun@chinadaily.com.cn