Chinese artists will be presenting a kaleidoscope of dazzling colours, culture and martial arts at the Manoel Theatre, in Valletta this weekend, as part of the Peking Opera Art Festival.

Organised by the China Cultural Centre, the festival sees the Peking Opera Theatre of Hubei province performing a selection of fascinating episodes from the classic repertoire of Peking Opera.

The programme includes five sections, namely: Battling Ma Chao, Tales of the White Snake – Tour on the Lake, the Divergence, Wu Dalang the Baker and Buddha’s Disciples Fighting Great Sage Sun.

As a curtain raiser, a lecture on Peking Opera will be held at the University’s Sir Temi Zammit Hall tomorrow at7 p.m.

Zhu Shihui, a renowned opera performing artiste, will share his knowledge and experience while a demonstration on performing, costumes and facial make-up will be held. Entrance is free.

Additionally, a Peking Opera Knowledge Contest is being organised between this month and June 4.

The contest paper can be downloaded from http://malta.cccweb.org/mt/sy/zxyg/12877.shtml . The recommended reference webpage is http://www1.chinaculture.org/library/node_3667.htm .

Prizes will be awarded to winners.

Further information on this competition is available from the China Cultural Centre on 2122 5055 or by e-mail at maltaccc@gmail.com.

The shows at the Manoel Theatre on Saturday and Sunday start at 8 p.m.

For bookings call 2124 6389 or send an e-mail to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt.