In addition to traditional Peking Opera, Henan local operas are more related to colourful local folklore treasures. The three operas are the Yu Ju, Qu Ju and Yue Diao.

Sponsored by the local government of Henan, Beijing Local Opera Arts Development Foundation and the Grand Chang'an Theatre, the festival claims to be the largest-scale event presenting such a great number of Henan local operas over such a short period of time in Beijing.

The plays include Chaoyanggou Village, County Magistrate - the Sesame Small Leader, both of which have been made into films; The Scented-souled Woman, which won a major prize in a China National Art Festival plus modern plays like Rainbow in an Urban City.

The plays vary greatly, not only on traditional and historical themes, but also depicting ordinary people in cities and the new lives of villagers in the countryside.

Many performers are award-winning actors and actresses in national opera competitions.

Time/date: April 4 to 25

Location: Grand Chang'an Theatre, Jianguomennei Dajie

Tel: 6510-1380

(Beijing Weekend March 25, 2003)