The Case of Chen Shimei, The Wild Boar Forest, and The Jade Bracelet

The Philadelphia Chinese Opera Society (PCOS) presented three traditional Beijing operas, two dramas and a love story: The Case of Chen Shimei (a Philadelphia premiere), The Wild Boar Forest, and The Jade Bracelet. The performances featured three leading performing artists from China: Kang Wansheng in painted face roles; Qin Xueling in young female roles, and Li Yangming in the older male, civil, and martial roles. PCOS Artistic Director Shuyuan Li, a fourth-generation Beijing opera artist trained from childhood in singing, acting, dance, and martial arts performance, directed the project. Zhenguo Liu, PCOS' music director, led the accompanying ensemble on the jinghu, a stringed instrument specific to Beijing opera performance. The artists conducted master classes and educational programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, FACTS Charter School, and the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown.