2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Cao Yu, one of the most renowned Chinese playwrights in the 20th century.

Shows include "Hua Gu Xi," or "Flower Drum Opera," which was inscribed into the national-level Intangible Cultural Heritage list of China.

Recently a string of celebratory stage performances have been hitting the stage in Qianjiang City of central China's Hubei Province, Cao Yu's hometown, to pay homage to the late master.

The celebratory series of stage performances unites multiple generations of artists, who have won the Plum Blossom awards, the highest honor of China's opera art. Shows include "Hua Gu Xi," or "Flower Drum Opera," which was inscribed into the national-level Intangible Cultural Heritage list of China. There are also Shanghai opera Thunderstorm, and opera Wilderness, based on Cao Yu's timeless works.

Pu Cunxin, vice president of Beijing People's Art Theater, said, "Mr.Cao Yu was a genuine master. As the time evolves, we'll discover more of the value of his works."

The series of performances will also cover opera genres like Shaanxi Opera, Kunqu Opera and Peking Opera.

Prestigious Peking Opera artists Pei Yanling and Shang Changrong will mesmerize opera buffs with their repertory programs, to add fuel to the cultural event.

(CCTV.com October 28, 2010)