On June 10, 2012, the theater played host to American comedian Louis CK, who taped an episode of his show 'Louie' there to an invitation-only audience. As of October 2010,the theatre was all set to reopen, with the premiere of Mei Lanfang Classics, providing a view of Peking Opera in its heyday.The play includes six classics from the 160 repertoires of Mei Lanfang, including Battle with Invaders, Drunken Princess, Goddess of Luo River, Taking Command of Troops, Sylph Scattering Flowers, and Farewell to Princess Yu. In August 2005, the theatre is temporarily closed for building work. In its interior, it features a Ming Dynasty design and traditional Peking Opera theatre decorations. It is considered a living relic and one of Beijing's finest monuments. Opened in 1996, the Changan Grand Theater is a modern Peking Opera theatre which displays modern facilities such as advanced highlights, multi-functional stage and computer-controlled sound and light systems. The theatre now continues to perform Beijing Opera. However, in 1995 a local businessman sponsored a full restoration. It has a rich history that includes performances by the grandmaster of Peking Opera, Mei Lanfang.Īfter the Cultural Revolution, the theatre fell into disrepair. It was built on the ruin site of a Buddhist temple. History & Background The theatre was built in 1688, during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor in the Qing Dynasty. The theater is not large and has several levels of seats at different prices. Zhengyici means a temple (ci) for Zhengyi Xuantan Laozu (?). The show is in Chinese but with English opening and comments between the acts.

It is also one of the oldest wooden theatres in China. Introdution The Zhengyici Peking Opera Theatre, located on a hutong in the Xuanwu District of Beijing, is one of the best-known Beijing opera theatres.

Beijing peking opera theatre