The Shanghai stage will display 54 domestic and foreign performances, including the local Anhui Huangmei opera "Female Emperor's Son-in-Law" and an all-time classic by Verdi "Aida", from November 1 on.

The second Shanghai International Festival of Arts, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and undertaken by Shanghai Municipal People's Government, will be held from November 1 to December 1, and will include stage art performances, art exhibitions, public cultural activities and an international performing art fair.

With 5000 props and a cast of over 1,500, the opera Aida will have world-class singers in its leading roles.

On a 5,000 square meter stage with a 30-meter-high Sphinx in the middle, many animal stars will also be in the performance, which is the first of its kind in China.

The opera Female Emperor's Son-in-Law, which made its debut 42 years ago and achieved remarkable success, is set to be staged at the Festival.

As a work of Anhui Huangmei Opera, the opera is a legendary play in ancient costumes, which features an ancient Chinese girl with wisdom, courage and a tender heart.

Other activities at the festival will include the Shanghai Asia Music Festival 2000, the Shanghai International Fireworks Festival and lectures.

(People's Daily 11/01/2000)