Meilanfang Grand Theater, named after the late Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang, will finish construction and start hosting performances on November 28.

Meilanfang Grand Theater, named after the late Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang, will finish construction and start hosting performances on November 28.

The theater, the first one designed especially for Peking Opera shows, is located in Xicheng District in central Beijing, according to the Beijing Daily Messenger. The 3-storied building can hold as many as 1,068 people.

Inaugural concerts will be classical plays, including the ballet Red Woman Troops.

Although designed for Peking operas, the theater will also offer its stage to other types of performances, such as dramas and musicals, said Wu Jiang, director of the theater.

Peking Opera, a synthesis of music, dance, art and acrobatics, is known as China's national opera, and is widely regarded as a unique expression of the Chinese culture.
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(CRI November 15, 2007)