Promotional material for drama The Ten Sisters of Miyun Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Performance & Arts Group

An upgraded version of Hebei Bangzi production The Ten Sisters of Miyun made its debut at the Meilanfang Grand Theater in Beijing. 

Hebei Bangzi, or Hebei Opera, is the main type of drama in North China's Hebei Province. It became popular in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Like Peking Opera, it's a traditional Chinese opera which combines music, vocals, dance, acrobatics and other art forms.

The drama is based on the stories of the Miyun Reservoir, which was completed in 1958, and the locals in Miyun who dedicated themselves to the construction and protection of the reservoir for decades.

The drama has been staged in Beijing multiple times. The updated drama came out after over a year of creation, research visits and rehearsals. The new version is better polished in terms of plot, choreography, music and costumes and has received positive reviews from audiences.