In 2001, a 72-episode TV drama, Da Zhai Men (Grand Mansion Gate) premiered and dominated the ratings. Directed and written by Guo Baochang, it was about the story of the Beijing-based Bai family set during one of the most tumultuous periods in Chinese history, spanning from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) until World War II.
Old art, new life Share Qiu Jirong, 36, Peking Opera artist.[Photo/China Daily]
A photo on the cover of a new book written by Guo Baochang, a veteran film director, shows a smiley boy in T-shirt and jean shorts, with a small toy chair on his head, facing an old man, who has a wooden chair on his back. Both have paper fans. The old man is in Peking Opera makeup and costume and they seem to be playing a game.
After the book, The Marvelous Game, was published, Guo, a Peking Opera enthusiast, appeared at an old theater in Beijing to share his stories of the art form on July 2.