Traditional Bangzi Opera Ventures into the Multiverse

In commemoration of its 70th anniversary, the renowned Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company debuted an enchanting spectacle that delves into the realm of multiverse, ushering the rich traditions of Chinese opera into a new frontier.

Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆

Yue Wushuang, dressed in white, is surrounded by her comrades at the Four Ocean Inn. Image courtesy of Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The idea of multiverse isn’t a new one. The notion that there are other dimensions parallel to the one we’re living in can be overwhelming for some. But when the idea took hold in the celebrated film Everything Everywhere All at Once, it ignited a global sensation.

Since then, I’ve been wondering what it would be like when the cherished artistry of Chinese opera embraces the exhilarating frontier of the multiverse. Luckily, I get to witness this imaginative blend turned into a reality as the esteemed Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company unveiled their latest production, Defenders. In this enchanting spectacle, the concept of the multiverse takes centre stage, transcending boundaries and forging an unprecedented chapter in the history of Chinese opera.

Defenders revolves around a mysterious fragrance known as “The Scent of Time”. It’s said to hold an irresistible allure that, when inhaled, the person’s spirit can journey back two days in time. The scent, with its ability to reshape destiny, becomes an object of desire coveted by the privileged few. However, even those unfamiliar with its extraordinary power, such as the team of escorts entrusted with safeguarding the fragrance, find themselves entangled in the intricate web of this deadly game of survival.

In the beginning of the play, we see Jin Xiaoyao — the owner of this coveted scent — is relentlessly pursued by the Imperial Guards day and night. She finds a glimmer of hope by hiring the Shunwei Escort Agency, also known as biaoju, entrusting them with the precious scent.

In pre-modern China, biaoju played a vital role as an establishment offering escort services, encompassing the safe transport of both goods and individuals in exchange for a fee. Those dedicated individuals employed by the biaoju, known as biaoke, contribute to the play’s Chinese title.

While returning from a mission, the Head of the Shunwei Escort Agency, Yue Wushuang, took on a new assignment proposed by Jin Xiaoyao, oblivious to the unforeseen challenges that awaited her — she thought she had been entrusted with safeguarding the treasured heirloom of the Mu family.

The Imperial Guards plot to pursue the coveted Scent of Time. Image courtesy of Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company

After travelling back in time, Yue Wushuang regains consciousness only to discover herself tightly bound. Image courtesy of Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company

The escort troupe spends the night at the Four Ocean Inn, where laughter and joy permeate the air. As midnight falls, the scene abruptly shifts, and Yue awakens to find herself bound, disoriented about her surroundings. To her comrades’ surprise, Yue claims herself to have travelled from the future, burdened with knowledge of the impending peril that looms over both her comrades and herself. Gradually, the truth unfolds — Yue Wushuang, as the sole survivor of the massacre, had traversed back in time two days prior to the tragic event. Initially met with skepticism, the troupe's doubts dissipate as they find out that the Four Ocean Inn has been surrounded by the Imperial Guards.

Amidst the unfolding chaos, we witness the rescue of Jin Xiaoyao by Xiao Cao, an unassuming martial arts practitioner who also happens to be a trusted ally of the escort agency. United by friendship, they swiftly become aware of the perilous circumstances befalling the guests of the inn. Without hesitation, they spring into action and make their way towards the inn.

In a symphony of intricate synchronicities and serendipitous encounters, some known and others veiled in mystery, playwright Liu Jianhua masterfully weaves a tale that encapsulates the very essence of Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company. Within this captivating tapestry, the troupe embarks on a strategic endeavour to safeguard the precious Scent of Time from the Imperial Guards, ultimately preventing the tragic massacre foretold by Yue from the future. As the narrative unfolds, the performers, through their remarkable martial arts prowess, shine individually, each contributing to the vibrant mosaic of this extraordinary theatrical experience.

In the play, the world of jianghu — widely recognised as an alternative universe intertwining with the historical one in modern Chinese culture — transcends its boundaries. Here, a group of seemingly ordinary individuals forge profound connections as they pursue their cherished ideals. United by camaraderie, their collective strength converges, shaping them into extraordinary “heroes,” aligning perfectly with the central theme of the 2023 Taiwan Traditional Theatre Festival: Hero · Hyperspace.

With his exceptional martial arts skills, Xiao Cao triumphs over one of the Imperial Guards, showcasing his prowess. Image courtesy of Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company

What truly left an impression on me is the musical composition crafted for this play. Within the Four Ocean Inn, the primary setting of the production, traditional music from Northern China harmoniously blends to recreate the lively and bustling atmosphere of the inn. In contrast, dissonant harmonies evoke a sense of suspense and the sinister presence of the royal guard. The music, played by the Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra, adds colour and depth to the overall experience.

However, in my view, there’s one aspect that could be considered a drawback — the occasional ambiguity regarding which version of the universe is being portrayed on stage, which adds an element of uncertainty to the overall experience.

Another thing that might puzzle some audience is the absence of a visual representation of the Scent of Time. Throughout the play, we only witness the spirit that has journeyed through time, while the transformation process remains unseen. Though this intentional omission adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the narrative, it would’ve been interesting if we could witness the actual effects of inhaling the scent.

On the final page of the playbill, a surprise awaits the audience — an envelop containing a complete timeline of the events unfolds within the five ingeniously constructed parallel universes of the play. Among them, universe E takes centre stage, drawing the audience into a mesmerising narrative of fantasy where heroes emerge to save lives.

The integration of the concept of parallel universes into traditional Chinese opera is a novelty. In this regard, the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company's audacious leap forward marks a significant milestone in the history of Chinese opera, particularly in the realm of Bangzi opera.

After their malicious intentions are exposed, the three thieves find themselves bound. However, their fate takes an unexpected turn as they later assist the escort troupe in their battle against the Imperial Guards. Image courtesy of Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company

Defenders, first premiered in the troupe’s base, Kaohsiung city, was staged in Taipei at the Taiwan Traditional Theatre Centre on May 13 and 14, 2023.