China Promotes NK Rendition of Chinese Opera

Chinese media are promoting a North Korean troupe’s performance of a famous Chinese opera on the occasion of the visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

In a television talk show aired at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, CCTV of China described “Dream of the Red Chamber” in detail and held interviews with Pibada Opera Troupe members. The opera was mentioned every hour Wednesday.

The state-run Xinhua News Agency also said, “One of China’s best classics, `Dream of the Red Chamber,’ is finally directed by a famous foreign opera troupe and performed back in China.”

China News also featured Pibada members and called the North Korean troupe the largest foreign troupe to visit China.

The heightened coverage of the opera suggests that Beijing wants to consider the work a symbol of bilateral cultural exchange.

With a cast of 198, the large-scale opera was initially to be performed in large Chinese cities including Beijing a month ago, but was postponed due to Kim’s visit to China.

After four days of performances in Beijing from Thursday, Pibada will then tour six other Chinese cities including Shanghai for a month.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Kim are expected to watch the opera together between Thursday and Friday.

bonhong@donga.com