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Brand New Performance of The Story of Xi Lou Ji by Taiwanese Theatre Director Wang Chia-ming—New Wave of Kunqu Opera at Weiwuying Performing Arts Center on December 14-15, 2018

2018.12.17

Taiwanese theatre director Wang Chia-Ming joins Jiangsu Performing Arts Group -Kunqu Theatre, leading actor Shi Xiaoming, and leading actress Shan Wen, to present another new classical Kunqu: The Story of Xi Lou Ji (Tale of the West Tower), coming after their joint work of The Dream of Nanke in 2012. The show describes a sad dream-like love story which debunks the hierarchical status between the second generation of a scholarly family and a courtesan, echoing the reflection of absurdity in life as shown in a contemporary Hollywood black comedy. This weekend expects to create a new wave for Kunqu opera at the Weiwuying National Performing Arts Center on December 14-15, 2018.

 

With a contemporary viewpoint, Wang selected 15 extracts from the original opera and compiled them into a one-night performance. The performance will portray acts that are still widely presented on stage, including “Meeting at the Tower”, “Tearing of the Book”, “Mis-delivery of the Message and Misconstruing Dream”. Not only will it depict the deepest bond between the lead characters and the delicate texture of Kunqu Opera, but it will also symbolize passing on the tradition. The director divides a single act within “Mis-delivery of the Message and Misconstruing Dream” into two, making the former the prologue of the second act, and the latter the epilogue. He also sets all the illogical plots into a dream sequence. The opera concludes when Yu Shu-Ye awakens from his illness, a liminal state of an undecided future, leaving no relief to the audience but bringing them back to the most realistic life. It is through Kunqu Opera that impulsiveness, affection, and desire are transformed. It is hoped that audiences can rediscover the values of personal relationships and time among us.

 

The story depicts the absurdity of our lives. Director Wang said, “This play starts with a love story between two young lovers, with pink bubbles floating around the entire stage to create a romantic and loving space. The second act begins with a rich man trying to take away the bride while a courageous man appears as hero, turning the dramatic style into a Hollywood form of black comedy. Younger audiences might notice that a monologue is added in the new version. Yet the original script already covers this scenario. Contemporary concepts are often seen and embedded in the traditional Kunqu opera. All we did was to employ alternative operative forms to strengthen them.”

Li Hongliang, the director of Jiangsu Kunqu Opera Theatre, remarks that, “Kunqu isn’t complicated at all. Once you walk into the theatre and experience the beauty of Kunqu, it is going to be very worthy. In the past, it’s known that the best audiences for Kunqu are in Taipei. After our decade-long efforts and dedication, more and more audiences in China are starting to enjoy Kunqu. We are looking forward to presenting the high class Kunqu at Weiwuying Performing Arts Center, inviting audiences in southern Taiwan to become committed fans of Kunqu.”


Jiangsu Kunqu Opera Theatre, one of the top six famous Kunqu troupes in China, is a professional theatre, dedicated to the research, creativity, and performance of Kunqu Opera. The actors’ artistic foundation is solid and holistic, with distinct styles of Nankun and Wu culture. The theatre also has a specialized repertoire of classics, and endeavors to explore, protect, and pass on the heritage of Kunqu tradition by editing and rearranging the classical series. The 1699 Peach Blossom Fan in 2006 broke through the normal protocol of using senior cast members for Kunqu Opera by using young actors and actresses to showcase the classical works. This innovation lets audiences experience a refreshing outlook of traditional opera. Meanwhile, this change enhances the successful careers of lead actors, Shi Xiaoming and Shan Wen, who are now listed as the leading actor and the leading actress of stars within the fourth generation of the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group - Kunqu Theatre. This new move transforms and deconstructs the Kunqu’s traditional audiences and attracts a younger generation of viewers.

 

Shi Xiaoming and Shan Wen are national class II actor and actress respectively in China. Shi was awarded the “Top Ten New Talents” at the National Kunqu Young Actors Showcase, the “Gold Award” at the 3rd Opera Red Plum Award, and similar accolades at other art festivals. After Shi and Shan’s The 1699 Peach Blossom Fan, they became world famous stars in Kungu Opera and attracted many fans to enjoy their plays. Shi Xiaoming stages more than 150 shows per year, equivalent to the amount of shows of a regular Kunqu group. Similarly, Shan Wen’s splendid performances have won her opportunities to be cast in Director Zhang Yimou’s movies and TV dramas.

 

The Story of Xi Lou Ji (Tale of the West Tower) is an operatic masterpiece by Yuan Yuling, dating from the late Ming dynasty to the early Qing dynasty. It consists of forty-four acts that recount the story of a young scholar, Yu Shuye, and a courtesan, Mu Suhui, who met on the West Tower, fell in love, and sang The Sentiment of River Chu as they vowed their love for each other. Amid life’s cruel struggles, The Story of Xi Lou Ji (Tale of the West Tower) recounts a moving love story with poetic melody.

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