The lively world of Beijing opera continues to be a productive source of inspiration for Chinese and foreign literary and cinematic imagination. That this inspiration remains so powerful, despite the dwindling number of aficionados, is testament to the energy that at one time animated scenes both on- and off-stage and in-between—energy that was both social and aesthetic. Responding to recent theory concerned with the performativity of social life, particularly within history and gender studies, Dr. Wu and Dr. Stevenson will discuss important lessons from the Chinese experience that will enrich the study of history and theatre more generally.