The program began with an introduction to the various character types that feature in Beijing opera, followed by an introduction to the various instruments used in the orchestra. Children in the audience were warned not to attempt some of the difficult acrobatic maneuvers that they saw on stage.
Then the story began. The material lent itself to a very high degree of physical showmanship, and this dominated at the expense of less showy aspects of performance. There was plenty of tumbling, juggling, acrobatics, fight scenes and comedy, which certainly delighted the audience, but provided a rather unbalanced picture of what Beijing opera is about.
Still, there was much to admire about the New Journey to the West, because it was both entertaining and educational. But it also takes the New Melody series in a direction that could undermine its credibility as an operatic showcase that can be enjoyed by both aficionados and casual visitors. Much will depend on the third installment of New Melody, which should begin in January.
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