Japanese kabuki actor Sakata Tojuro performs on stage at Beijing's Poly Theater on Tuesday, September 4, 2007. [Photo: ce.cn]

It was a night of spectacular Japanese theatrical scenes -- with actors in elaborate make-up, costumes with brilliant colors, and sakura as the stage background -- and it was not in Japan.

Two Japanese kabuki classics were presented for Beijing audience on Tuesday, thanks to the visiting Chikamatsu-za troupe, led by the 76-year-old kabuki master Sakata Tojuro.

The actor, known for playing different roles in one drama, vividly demonstrated the 400-year-old Japanese art form, changing between portraits of an elegant woman and a powerful lion in Hanabusa Shujaku Jishi (Princess Lion Dance), and a virtuous wife in Keisei Hangon Ko (Matahei the Stutterer), a 1708 kabuki classic.

His age-beguiling performances won great wows from Beijing audience.

The troupe is set to play another night on Wednesday at Beijing's Poly Theater, before moving to Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.