Special performances of Lv opera, starring young artists, were staged at the Baihua Theater during the New Year's Day holiday in Jinan, capital city of Shandong province, as part of the first season of the province's "culture benefits the masses" project.

A familiar Lv opera, San La Fang, and excerpts from the classic Women Generals of the Yang Family were performed during the special event.

San La Fang, just as the Chinese title suggests, tells a heartwarming romantic story about the newlywed Zhang Wensheng and Guo Suzhen. As the committed couple is enjoying their honeymoon, Zhang, the husband has to bid farewell to Guo, his wife, as he leaves home to take the highest imperial exam in the capital.

The performance, with its enchanting arias and stage effects, was well-received by the audience.

Guo Suzhen was portrayed by Ren Jing, a senior student at the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts. Ren said that it was not difficult to rehearse the play because she has learned it before; but the performance was very tiring because of the abundant arias and opera movements.

The war play Women Generals of the Yang Family has been rather rare in Lv opera in recent years for it includes lots of fighting scenes and difficult movements. Its major performers were interns of the Shandong Lv Opera Theater, aged between 18 and 20. Their expert skills drew high praise from the audience.

The "culture benefits the masses" project, which is organized by the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture under the title of "Qilu Big Stage", consists of a wide range of vibrant artistic performances. It will take place throughout each year across the province to enrich the life and entertainment of its people and help preserve its splendid indigenous culture.

Performers stage the classic Lv opera San La Fang at the Baihua Theater during the New Year's Day holiday in Jinan. [Photo/Cultural Shandong]

Excerpts from the classic Women Generals of the Yang Family are staged at the Baihua Theater during the New Year's Day holiday in Jinan. [Photo/Cultural Shandong]

A fight scene of Women Generals of the Yang Family, staged at the Baihua Theater during the New Year's Day holiday in Jinan. [Photo/Cultural Shandong]