Zhang Huoding, Peking Opera actress. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhang failed three times when applying to Peking Opera schools but her obsession with the art led her to keep trying until in 1986, she made it to a school in Tianjin.

In 1989, Zhang started learning the performing style of the Cheng school with renowned Peking Opera master Zhao Rongchen (1916-96), which ushered her into a clear career path.

Her first Peking Opera teacher was Zhang Huoqian, her elder brother, who is a veteran wu sheng, or the warrior role of Peking Opera.

Zhang Huoqian once said in an interview that he didn't expect his sister to be so popular as an opera actress since "she didn't display any great talent when learning Peking Opera in the beginning".

"But what made her special is her shy and calm personality, which fits the style of Cheng school," he said.

If you go

7:30 pm, May 27-28. National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.