Can anyone suggest a musical set in China? — Page 3

The truth of independent observation is what it is, so there is no point to feign insult or hurt feelings when those most familiar with the locations know exactly the conditions I observed, such as admitting that visitors complain of heat and overcrowding in Hong Kong.

And as for Beijing, the truth will set you free. I observed Beijing intently from the air as I both landed and took off in daylight on March 1, 2011.

Here (and good luck refuting it) from an article of the same date is a picture of what Beijing looked like close-up. Huge amounts of (global) pollution from China's overuse of coal have led to massive air pollution that is off the charts in Beijing and China. I take no joy to see such a sight, it sickens me, and it is terrible for the Chinese people. There are huge dust storms in Beijing as well from the deforestation that has taken place in China as China sells off its forest trees.

"Beijing air quality levels were recorded by the U.S. Embassy staff based in the city as exceeding the standard levels. The maximum level of the air quality charts is 500 API (Air Pollution Index), but in Beijing the recordings soared to a massive 595 API. The Beijing weather bureau reported that some parts of the city had visibility to only 200 metres.

The U.S. Embassy officials have been measuring the air quality themselves in the Chinese capital city of Beijing and said that the levels they have recorded this week were 'beyond index'. ...well above the threshold that is considered normally to be 'hazardous' to human health.

The situation with the air quality levels in the wider Beijing metropolitan area was of such concern that the entire population of the city, some 22 million people, were advised to try not to go outside. This included healthy adults...

Polluted air can have potentially deadly impacts on human health, as people breath in nasty combinations of carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compounds. These substances can all significantly contribute to respiratory problems, particularly for people already susceptible to asthma and allergic reactions.

The problem for Beijing is that the city is powered by many coal-fired electricity stations which constantly pump nasty pollutants into the air..."
Beijing air pollution levels off the scale

Updated On: 8/30/11 at 03:04 PM

Forewarned is forearmed, listen or don't. You can have a better trip if you know the facts, like them or not. Personally I would bring a couple face masks from a drug or hardware store just in case. I've seen lots of pics of people wearing them in Beijing.

Hopefully your days will have clearer air and not need them. It seems like February and March are big months for the dust storms.

I have performed in a Beijing Opera; it is the true "musical" of China which is why I recommended it. Of course there are many places to see it besides Beijing, and the ancient tales and stagings seem more artistic to me than the Communist alterations and "modernizations" which were "Westernizations" of the style. You may have your own preference if you can see both performed there.

By the way, don't bring any pictures or writings of the Dalai Lama, or any representation of the Tibetan flag with you when you go. They are illegal contraband there and may get you kicked out due to the continuing occupation following their invasion of Tibet.

Have a good trip.

Updated On: 8/30/11 at 07:27 PM

"Built in 1807, Huguang Guild Hall boasts of a history of more than 200 years. It’s one of the few remaining guild halls with Peking Opera Theatre inside that inherited from the Qing Dynasty. ... It’s the right place where the revolutionary pioneer Sun Yat-sen announce the establishment of Kuomintang Party on August 25, 1912 and where the Peking opera masters Tan Xinpei, Yu Shuyan and Mei Lanfang gave frequent opera shows.

The guild hall now contains three theatres: Peking opera theatre, teahouse, and watering hole. The Peking opera theatre keeps the characteristics and traditional flavor of Chinese decoration style and is equipped with all kinds of rare and precious Peking opera things and treasures in the opera exhibition hall."

That place looks fabulous, Samanthacq. It's amazing it survived the Cultural Revolution.

A couple tips to appreciate Peking Opera. The music does not repeat like Western harmonies. That is thought desirable in the Chinese musical tradition. The vocalizations sound a little wild to to the Western ear, but they become an acquired taste; I like them. The music follows the dancers, rather than vice versa as in Western tradition. That took some getting used to it was so unfamiliar; an audience may not realize or notice the difference, but it's a big difference.

If you have not seen the film "Farewell My Concubine" see it before you go. Great history wrapped within it.

In the 1980s the RSC staged 'Poppy' which was about the Poppy Wars between Britain and China. It was staged in a music hall (vaudeville sort of) style.

I visited China a few years ago- it was amazing. The Beijing Opera was a delight- we saw the Monkey legend and it was hilarious! I'd go back like a shot if it weren't for the 13 hour plane journey!