Group 1 - The New Year's holiday features a variety of domestic original works and classic foreign productions, providing audiences with a cultural feast [1] - The play "Zhang Juzheng" and the adaptation of Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" are highlights, exploring human choices amid changing times and showcasing traditional Chinese aesthetics [2] - The National Peking Opera's three classic productions have seen a surge in ticket sales, indicating a strong market demand for quality performances [4][6] Group 2 - Young audiences now make up over 70% of the viewers for Peking Opera, a significant shift from the traditional older demographic [6][8] - The rise in popularity among younger audiences is attributed to the unique artistic appeal of Peking Opera and its innovative promotion through new media platforms [8][10] - The National Peking Opera is actively engaging young people through backstage tours and campus outreach programs, fostering a deeper connection with traditional culture [10][12]

Group 1: Performances and Events - The Beijing Opera will feature multiple performances including "Locking the Liner" by the Beijing Opera House and "Mu Guiying Takes Command" by the National Peking Opera Company, scheduled at various venues from January 1 to January 31, 2025 [1] - The Beijing Children's Art Theatre will present a children's play titled "The Battle of the Dragon King" from January 9 to January 18, 2025 [2] - The 10th China Beijing International Art Biennale will take place at the Beijing Exhibition Hall from December 29, 2025, to January 28, 2026 [2] Group 2: Concerts and Music Events - Liu Ruoying's concert "Flying Day 2025" is set for January 1-2, 2025, at the Shengping Biological Center [2] - The National Grand Theatre will host a New Year concert on January 1, 2026, featuring various orchestras [3] - The Bulgarian National Symphony Orchestra will perform a New Year concert at the Beijing Music Hall on January 1, 2026 [3] Group 3: Art Exhibitions - The exhibition "Encountering the King of the River" will be held starting December 26, 2025, at an unspecified location [2] - The "Narrative Space and Spiritual Direction" exhibition will take place starting March 1, 2026, at an unspecified location [2] - The "Inheriting and Innovating Art Exhibition" is scheduled for March 22, 2026, at an unspecified location [2]

Group 1 - The Beijing performance market is experiencing a surge as the New Year holiday approaches, with classic works being revitalized and a variety of performances such as dramas and concerts being staged to create a festive cultural atmosphere for residents and tourists [1] - The premiere of the new version of the play "The Cherry Orchard" at the Cao Yu Theatre in Beijing was met with a full house, showcasing innovative stage techniques like real-time video projection while maintaining the essence of the original work [3] - According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, from the Winter Solstice to New Year's Day, there have been 437 commercial performances and 2,140 shows in Beijing, with notable events like the New Year concert at the National Centre for the Performing Arts and performances by the Bulgarian National Symphony Orchestra and the Beijing People's Art Theatre [5]

Core Viewpoint - The Beijing People's Art Theatre's play "Zhang Juzheng" has commenced a new round of performances, running until January 4, 2026, and aims to engage audiences during the New Year celebrations. The play has received recognition both domestically and internationally since its premiere in late 2023 [1]. Group 1: Performance Details - The current round of performances of "Zhang Juzheng" will last until January 4, 2026, with a break on Mondays [1]. - The play has completed three rounds of performances since its premiere at the end of 2023 and was invited to the 16th International Alexandrinsky Theatre Festival in September 2024, gaining international acclaim [1]. Group 2: Adaptation and Direction - "Zhang Juzheng" is adapted from the award-winning novel by author Xiong Zhao Zheng, which won the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 2005 [3]. - The play features a dual narrative structure that alternates between reality and non-reality, exploring Zhang Juzheng's life and historical contributions in a new way [4][6]. - Director and lead actor Feng Yuanzheng emphasizes that the play focuses on the inner journey of a reformer rather than merely telling a story, presenting a profound reflection on reform and personal experiences [11]. Group 3: Stage Design and Presentation - The stage design of "Zhang Juzheng" is characterized by an ethereal, fluid, and minimalist style, inspired by the Forbidden City's architecture, featuring red pillars and multimedia elements to create a sense of timelessness [8]. - The transitions between scenes are seamless, with no breaks between acts, allowing for a continuous flow of performance accompanied by atmospheric music [8]. Group 4: Cast and Character Interpretation - The cast includes a mix of middle-aged and younger actors, showcasing the Beijing People's Art Theatre's commitment to stage heritage [11]. - Actors portray complex characters, such as the nuanced relationship between Emperor Wanli and Zhang Juzheng, highlighting the emotional depth of their interactions [12]. - The portrayal of characters like the corrupt official Hu Zigao incorporates elements of traditional Chinese opera to enhance the complexity and humor of the performance [20].