A Beijing Opera named Zhanshenzhou, which means “defending Shenzhou”, made its debut at Shengjing Grand Theater on Nov 24.

Zhanshenzhou tells a story dating back to the Liao Dynasty (916-1125). During the reign of the sixth emperor (971-1031), a soldier named Dayanlin took advantage of political difficulties to rebel against the emperor. During the rebellion Dayanlin almost conquered Shenzhou (which later changed its name to Shenyang), but Zhang Jie, an official in the city, organized ordinary people and soldiers to defend the city and finally won the battle.

The opera is divided into five chapters, and features Changdong, a leading opera star and winner of the Plum Performance Award.

Zhan Shenzhou aims to praise Zhang Jie’s brave spirit and promote patriotism.

Zhanshenzhou makes its debut at Shengjing Grand Theater on Nov 24.[Photo/China.com.cn]

A newly-launched Beijing Opera, Zhanshenzhou, is staged at Shengjing Grand Theater on Nov 24.[Photo/China.com.cn]

A newly-launched Beijing Opera, Zhanshenzhou, is staged at Shengjing Grand Theater on Nov 24.[Photo/China.com.cn]