Huju Opera, a popular regional Shanghai art form originating about 200 years ago, is widely based on local folk songs which generally portray ordinary people.

From tomorrow through next Wednesday, the Baoshan Huju Opera House will present a series of performances that will draw together leading Shanghai artists and feature new original storylines.

The Huju Opera version of "Camille" retains the classic love story's plot a doomed love affair between a Parisian courtesan and her young lover. Yet Huju Opera performers Hua Wen and Zhang Aihua will add some new elements both thematic and choreographic to appeal to younger audiences.

The original modern play "Bao Hua Chun Qiu," to be staged on Monday and Tuesday, will be another highlight of the series.

The performance centers on the big changes in life of an ordinary rural family who witness the burst of vitality in China in the wake of the reform and opening-up policy in 1978.

The story is based on true tales about ordinary people, but the script adds some hilarious elements to make the show less heavy and more appealing to younger people.

On Wednesday night, the best-known Huju Opera performers including Chen Yu, Mao Shanyu, Ma Lili and Sun Xuchun will present a show that includes excerpts from many classics such as "Family" and "The Mother As A Slave."

The artists, as well as theater experts, will also take part in a workshop on December 12 during which they will discuss how to revive traditional operas in today's modern society.

"Keeping age-old theatrical art forms alive is a never ending challenge for us," says Hua, a renowned Huju Opera performer. "We're trying to innovate by adding modern elements, like dramatic stage settings and lighting."

Date: December 6-10, 7:15pm

Venue: Yifu Theater, 701 Fuzhou Rd

Tickets: 50-280 yuan

Tel: 6322-5294, 6322-5075

(Shanghai Daily December 5, 2008)