In the audience then were prominent French actor Gerard Philipe and film icon Charlie Chaplin.
Speaking of his upcoming role, Ye Shaolan says: "I rarely perform these days because I am over 70. But I am excited to perform with Zhang Huoding because she works hard and contributes to the development of Peking Opera.
"My father's generation took Peking Opera to the West. Now, we have Zhang Huoding, who is doing the same thing, giving Western audiences a glimpse of our treasured art," he says, referring to Zhang's successful debut performances in the United States in September.
Zhang caused a sensation then by performing The Legend of the White Snake and another famous Peking Opera piece, The Jewelry Pouch, at the Lincoln Center in New York.
Her US debut was even compared by the media to a performance by Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), who appeared in New York in 1930.
Zhang Yu, president of the China Arts and Entertainment Group, says: "Her performance in the US was a milestone for Chinese culture going global."
The group also organized the Meet in Beijing arts festival, besides Zhang's performance in the US.
Faced with this praise, Zhang Huoding, a woman of few words, replies with a shy smile, saying: "I guess the reason why my shows are popular is that I rarely perform in public now. So fans are curious."
Zhang's main job now involves teaching at the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts.
She was transferred there in 2008 from the China National Peking Opera Company because she wanted to withdraw from stage and focus on teaching.
She didn't return to the stage until 2014.
Zhang, who is married and has a child, keeps a low profile and lives a quiet life.
She does not even use a computer or a cellphone, she says.
Given her influence and popularity, the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts launched an art heritage center named after her in November.
The center is dedicated to teaching, performing and researching the Cheng school.
As for her future plans, Zhang says: "I want to maintain a balance between teaching and performing as we have many talented young actors. I hope to inspire the next generation with my knowledge and experience."
If you go
7:30 pm, May 24. Chang'an Grand Theater, 7 Jianguomennei Street, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 400-690-3721.
