China National Peking Opera Company's Grand Return
In a long-awaited reunion, the China National Peking Opera Company returns to Taiwan after a four-year hiatus, igniting the island’s opera fans with six Peking opera classics.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★★
Li Shengsu (left) and Yu Kuizhi (right) led the China National Peking Opera Company to Taiwan this fall. Image courtesy of CNPOC.
TAIPEI, Taiwan — It is heartening to know that, in a world reshaped by the pandemic and the advance of technology, some traditions remain unchanged. Following a four-year hiatus, the China National Peking Opera Company (CNPOC) made a triumphant comeback in Taiwan this fall, setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural celebration.
For peking opera fans in Taiwan, the year of 1993 marked an unprecedented moment when the Beijing-based troupe first graced Taiwan's shores, ushering in one of the most remarkable cross-strait exchanges of the 20th century. Their month-long tour became the hottest ticket in town, with eager crowds — many of them being first-generation Chinese immigrants — snatching up seats in a heartbeat.
Among the troupe members were Li Shengsu and Yu Kuizhi, two young talents who, over time, metamorphose into the iconic Peking opera couple, leading the troupe on numerous international tours in recent years. Yu Kuizhi, once a rising star in his early 30s, now commands the stage as a seasoned virtuoso, aged over 60. Through the troupe's frequent visits to Taiwan, audiences have had the privilege of witnessing Yu's incredible journey of ascent within the realm of Peking opera.
My initial encounter with CNPOC, a memory etched from years past, was framed by the distant seats I occupied in the audience at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London. However, this time around, I indulged myself with front-row seats, immersing myself in the intimacy with this timeless art form and the maestros onstage.
This year doesn't merely mark the 30th anniversary since the troupe's Taiwan debut; it infuses an enchanting aura into the Mid-Autumn Festival, embracing opera enthusiasts in this cherished tradition. What’s even more exhilarating is the diverse audience, encompassing devoted patrons from older generations and younger enthusiasts embracing this exceptional cultural heritage.
The troupe illuminated the stage of the National Theatre in Taipei for a six-day spectacle, kicking off with the riveting Female Generals of the Yang Family (楊門女將). This classic play, originally premiered in 1960 with young cast from CNPOC, carries special significance for both the troupe and the audience. Following this exciting start, the program featured excerpts from "Snow in June" (六月雪) and "Beating with a Gold Brick" (打金磚), along with classics like Farewell My Concubine (霸王別姬), The Jewellery Purse (鎖麟囊), Trilogy of the Dragon and Phoenix Pavilion (龍鳳閣), and Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity (龍鳳呈祥).
Much like other Peking opera aficionados, I also joined the Peking opera marathon, immersing myself with four remarkable plays performed in a week’s time.
The Female Generals of the Yang Family
Female Generals of the Yang Family, a Peking opera classic, made its debut in 1960 by the young cast of the China National Peking Opera Company. Image courtesy of the CNPOC.
Leading characters:
She Saihua: commonly known as She Taijun or “Dowager She”. She was the wife of Yang Ye and the proud mother of their seven sons.
Mu Guiying: the wife of Yang Zongbao, and the daughter-in-law of She Taijun.
Yang Wenguang: son of Mu Guiying and Yang Zongbao. After his father’s passing, Yang becomes the sole male heir to the Yang family.
Story in a nutshell:
Peking opera’s Female Generals of the Yang Family (楊門女將) is based on Yangzhou opera’s Taking Command at Age One Hundred (百歲掛帥), drawing inspiration from the legendary tale “The Twelve Widows Conquer the West” (十二寡婦征西).
In the midst of throwing a 50th birthday party for her grandson, Yang Zongbao, the 100-year-old Lady She receives tragic news of his death while defending the border.
Faced with the state’s inclination to surrender to the enemy, Lady She asks the emperor’s permission to lead her entire family, including her widowed granddaughter-in-law, Mu Guiying, into battle. Her great-grandson, Yang Wenguang, the sole male heir, also earns his place in the army by winning a martial contest against his mother.
With the guidance of an elderly man to a secret path leading to the enemy's camp, the female generals of the Yang family returned with a resounding victory.
During a martial competition, Yang Wenguang implores his mother, Mu Guiying, to let him win so that he can join in the family army and seek vengeance for his late father. Image courtesy of CNPOC.
What not to miss:
Female Generals of the Yang Family serves as the quintessential display of wudan — skilled and courageous female characters in Peking opera — virtuosity. The production emphasises martial arts performance by a group of wudan, with each member demonstrating a remarkable level of acrobatic prowess.
Tips for wanderer: watch CNPOC’s Female Generals of the Yang Family online for free.
Farewell My Concubine
In Farewell My Concubine, Xiang Yu (middle) falls into a trap set by Li Zuoche (second to the right), who was sent by the Han general Han Xin to lead troops in an attack. Image courtesy of CNPOC.
Leading characters:
Xiang Yu: the Hegemon-King of Western Chu
Yu Ji: beloved concubine of Xiang Yu
Han Xin: a military general and politician who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han Contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han dynasty
Li Zuoche: the spy dispatched by Han Xin to infiltrate Xiang Yu's camp
Story in a nutshell:
Farewell My Concubine (霸王別姬) recounts the story of Xiang Yu, the Lord of Western Chu, who is valiant but lacks strategic wisdom. His stubbornness and self-confidence lead him to believe the deceitful words of Li Zuoche, a spy sent by Han Xin to infiltrate Xiang Yu’s military camp.
Despite the advice of his generals and his concubine Yu Ji, Xiang Yu rose in rebellion against the Han. He leads his massive army straight into Jiuli Mountain, falling into a trap set by Han Xin.
Realising the dire circumstance, Xiang Yu laments for his tragic fate. Yu Ji, who fears that her presence might hinder Xiang Yu’s resolve, performs a sword dance and then takes her own life.
What not to miss:
After Xiang Yu’s return following his defeat, the mutual affection between him and Yu Ji becomes evident. Despite their seemingly reserved interactions onstage, Yu Ji's emotions and love for Xiang Yu are discernible through her facial expressions.
The part where Yu Ji performs the sword dance is a revered classic in Peking opera and shouldn’t be dismissed as a mere dance. As the acclaimed Peking opera actress, Wei Hai Ming, elucidates, the sword dance blends the essence of Tai Chi with the art of swordsmanship. Wei further elaborates, “Even though the sword itself may not bear physical weight, it must convey a sense of gravitas. This dance, imbued with a sense of melancholy, serves as an expressive outlet for the character’s inner turmoil, especially since Yu Ji is aware that she’ll bid farewell to Xiang Yu after the performance.
Tips for wanderer: watch Shanghai Peking Opera Company’s Farewell My Concubine online for free.
The Trilogy of the Dragon and Phoenix Pavilion
In “Pillars of the Dynasty”, Yang Bo (left) and Xu Yanshao (right) strongly oppose to the Dowager’s appointment of Li Liang as the regent. Image courtesy of CNPOC.
Leading characters:
Li Yanfei: also known as the Dowager Empress Li, Li rules as a regent for baby emperor Wanli after her husband’s passing
Li Liang: Grand Master and father of Li Yanfei.
Xu Yanshao: Prince of Zhongshan
Yang Bo: Minister of Military
Story in a nutshell:
The Trilogy of the Dragon and Phoenix Pavilion (龍鳳閣, aka. 大探二) comprises three acts: Pillars of the Dynasty (大保國), Visiting the Imperial Mausoleum (探皇陵), and Second-time Entering the Palace (二進宮).
Following Ming Emperor Shenzong's death, Empress Dowager Li rules as regent with young Emperor Wanli. Her father, Li Liang, harbours ambitions to usurp power, manipulating Empress Dowager, who is his own daughter, to appoint him as regent instead. Among the court officials, only Yang Bo and Xu Yanshao dare to advise against the Dowager’s proposal, but Li condemns them for their opposition.
In Act II, Yang Bo leads his troops to protect the imperial mausoleum and runs into Xu Yanshao, who is also there to investigate. The two agree to remonstrate with the Dowager once again.
The fact that Li Liang has sealed off the Zhaoyang Palace, thereby isolating the inner court, is an obvious sign of usurpation. The Dowager, living alone, is filled with regret and lament. Upon Yang and Xu’s second remonstration, the Dowager finally decides to entrust state affairs to the two.
In “Second-time Entering the Palace”, Dowager Empress Li (middle), along with Yang Bo (left) and Xu Yanshao (right), all sing while kneeling. Image courtesy of CNPOC.
What not to miss:
The Trilogy of the Dragon and Phoenix Pavilion, which centres around the sheng, dan, and jing roles, is often hailed as a timeless vocal masterpiece in Peking opera, unparalleled by other works. This particular play features a diverse range of xipi and erhuang melodies, and employs various singing styles, including solos, duets, ensemble pieces, slow and fast-paced singing, alongside standing, sitting, and even kneeling vocal performances.
Rumour has it that the Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing dynasty had a special affinity for this play, perhaps because she found solace in seeing the transformation of Empress Dowager Li, who initially governed from the shadows but later embraced virtue and heeded counsel.
Tips for wanderer: watch The Trilogy of the Dragon and Phoenix Pavilion online for free.
Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity
In Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity, Liu Bei and Sun Shangxiang seek refuge on the boat that Zhuge Liang has prepared (right). Image courtesy of CNPOC.
Leading characters:
Liu Bei: a Chinese warlord in the late Eastern Han dynasty
Sun Quan: founder and emperor of the Eastern Wu Dynasty
Sun Shangxiang: Sun Quan’s sister who later marries to Liu Bei
Old Lady Wu: mother of Sun Quan and Shangxiang
Zhou Yu: a Chinese military general and strategist serving under Sun Quan
Zhao Yun (aka. Zhao Zilong): a military general who serves under Liu Bei
Story in a nutshell:
Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity (龍鳳呈祥) is an adaptation of a story from the 54th chapter of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. This epic is set during the turbulent final years of the Easter Han dynasty (25–220 A.D) and the subsequent Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D).
The story revolves around Liu Bei's journey across the river to marry Sun Quan's sister, Sun Shangxiang. Initially, this marriage proposal is a scheme concocted by Sun Quan and Zhou Yu in response to Liu Bei's occupation of Jingzhou and his reluctance to return it. However, Zhuge Liang — Liu Bei’s strategist — sees through the deception and assists Liu Bei in turning the proposal into a genuine marriage.
Following the marriage, Zhou Yu attempts various means to keep Liu Bei within Sun Quan's territory. It’s only when Zhao Yun reveals Zhuge Liang's letter, which falsely claims that Jingzhou is under threat of being seized by Cao Cao, that Liu Bei decides to flee with his newlywed bride. Zhou Yu pursues them with his troops, but Liu Bei successfully crosses the river using boats prepared by Zhuge Liang.
What not to miss:
Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity is celebrated for its expansive cast ensemble, encompassing an array of leading roles, including sheng, dan, jing, and chou characters, all uniting to deliver a captivating performance. It stands out with not just one or two leading sheng roles, but an impressive trio: Liu Bei, Lu Su, and Qiao Xuan, while jing roles are taken by Sun Quan and Zhang Fei.
In group scenes, audiences are treated to some of the most compelling collaborations by acclaimed opera singers on stage, sometimes marked by intense climactic moments where they both challenge and complement each other, showcasing their distinctive talents.
Tips for wanderer: watch CNPOC’s Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity online for free.
The China National Peking Opera Company concluded its Taiwan tour with Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity. Image taken during curtain call.
Reference:
Program notes for “China National Peking Opera Company: 30th Year Visiting Taiwan”. September 26-Oct 1, 2023, National Theatre, Taipei.
Li, HT. (2022, July 28). “Interview with Wei Haimin: Discussing Yu Ji's Sword Dance - The Secret Lies in the Sense of Weight”. China Times. https://https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20220728004386-260405?chdtv
The China National Peking Opera Company performed at Taipei's National Theatre for six consecutive days, from September 26 to October 1, 2023.