LI Bao-Chun on Traditional Chinese Operas

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7/7 The Fault in His Love

During the Jin Dynasty, Wanyan Shou-Ma, the son of Wanyan Yong-Kang, a deputy governor of Henan, became infatuated with Chinese opera and lost interest in pursuing a career. He met the renowned actress Wang Jing-Bang, and the two became close friends. Shou-Ma invited Jing-Bang to his home to perform. Wanyan Yong-Kang scolded Shou-Ma for neglecting his studies and indulging in frivolous entertainment, and he expelled Wang Jing-Bang's troupe from Henan. Undeterred, Shou-Ma left home to follow Jing-Bang. He endured hardships while searching for her theater troupe. Along the way, he studied and mastered the art of Chinese opera. Eventually, he found Jing-Bang in Shandong. After passing rigorous tests by Jing-Bang's father, Shou-Ma joined the troupe and married into the family.

While on an anti-corruption inspection, Wanyan Yong-Kang unexpectedly met his son and daughter-in-law. Watching their exceptional performance, he was moved and able to find inspiration for his mission. This led to a family reunion. It also celebrated the harmonious union between the Jin royal family and Han artists.

7/14 The Concubine Went Drunk & At Mu-Hu Pass 

The Concubine Went Drunk

YANG Yu-Huan by HUANG Yu-Lin

PEI Li-Shi by by LI Yu-Hsun

 GAO Li-Shi by LIU Hsiang-Chih

 Jinhu(Head of Strings): LU Yu-Yong

Drum(Head of Percussions): LIU Yun-He

Duration: 60 minutes

Filmed on October 26, 2013, Novel Hall for Performing Arts, Taipei

 “The Concubine Went Drunk”, also known as “The Hundred Blossomed Pavilion”, is the most renown Peking Opera piece of Maestro Mei Lan-Fang. The story depicts Emperor Xuan-Zong of the Tang Dynasty favored Concubine Yang, who at his order arranged a banquet at the Hundred Blossomed Pavilion. Awaiting the Emperor's arrival, she learned that the Emperor had gone to the residence of Consort Mei. Feeling despondent, she drank alone until she was thoroughly intoxicated and sorrowfully returned to the palace.

Maestro Mei created this opera, enriching in singing, music, gestures, and stage design. He meticulously crafted the emotional changes of Concubine Yang from anticipation to disappointment, then to irritation and resentment. His portrayal of Yang was regal and elegant, with gripping arias and challenging movements such as the "lying fish" and "backbend." Every detail of his creativeness has become a classic. Today’s performance was played by Huang Yu-Lin after she became the apprentice of the esteemed actress Gu Zheng-Qiu, who received direct guidance from Mr. Mei Lan-Fang himself. This is indeed a piece of rare artistic heritage.

At Mu-Hu Pass
 

GAO Wang by SHANG Chang-Rong

GAO Lai by SUN Zheng-Yang

ZHANG Lan Ying by CHU Fu-Min

ZHANG Bao by GU Chong-Liang

Lady ZHANG by CHIANG Yan-Ting

Lady YANG by LIN Yi-Chian

Jinhu(Head of Strings): WEI Yin-Chu

Drum(Head of Percussions): NI Yi-Bin

Duration: 60 minutes

Filmed on October 20, 2000, Novel Hall for Performing Arts, Taipei

"At Mu-Hu Pass" is a significant piece for the painted face character. During the Song Dynasty, Gao Wang, who was part of Yang Family force, retired to live in seclusion at Ya-Zhi County. Madame She sent Lady Yang Ba-Jie to invite Gao Wang to re-join the Yang Family force some time later when a war broke out.

On his way back, Gao Wang had to re-enter the Song territory. One day when he was about to pass through Mu Hu Pass, he confronted a young man who name Zhang Bao, who, guarding the Pass diligently, was actually his own son. Father and son had been separated by wars and could no longer recognize each other. Zhang Bao was defeated by Gao Wang, so his wife went into battle in his place. Gao Wang, noticing her beauty, started to tease her vulgarly. Fortunately at that moment, Gao Wang's wife, Zhang Lan-Ying, recognized her husband, and the family was joyfully reunited. When the daughter-in-law greeted her father-in-law formally, Gao Wang felt deeply embarrassed.

7/21 The Palace of Eternal Life

"The Palace of Eternal Life" was a Kunqu opera masterpiece about the romance between Emperor Xuan-Zong of Tang and Concubine Yang. Yang Yu-Huan, with her exceptional beauty and talents, won the Emperor's favor, and they exchanged golden hairpins as tokens of their love. Due to Yang Yu-Huan's influence, her family rose to prominence, with her brother Yang Guo-Zhong gaining control of the court making profit through corruption. He eventually sponsored An Lu-Shan and sowed the seeds of the An-Shi Rebellion.

 The moon goddess Chang E, aware of Yang Yu-Huan's musical talents, invited her to visit the Moon Palace in a dream, to compose the "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Dress". Upon waking, Yang Yu-Huan wrote down the music and created a dance for the "Rainbow Skirt," delighting the Emperor, who showered her with affection.

 One night, while waiting for the Emperor, Yang Yu-Huan learned that he had taken a detour to visit Concubine Mei. Overcome with jealousy, she caused a scene at the pavilion. After reconciling, the Emperor and Yang Yu-Huan reaffirmed their love at the Palace of Eternal Life, swearing eternal devotion. However, the An Shi Rebellion erupted, forcing them to flee to Sichuan. The imperial guards mutinied at Mawei Slope, killed Yang Guo-Zhong and demanded Yang Yu-Huan's execution. Despite the Emperor’s reluctance, Yang Yu-Huan sacrificed herself.

 After her death, Emperor Xuan-Zong mourned her day and night. He summoned a Taoist monk to seek her in heaven. Yang Yu-Huan, originally a celestial being from Penglai, sent back the golden hairpin as a token, promising a reunion. On the Mid-Autumn Festival, under the full moon, the Emperor ascended to heaven as an immortal, reuniting with Yang Yu-Huan in the celestial palace, where they remained together forever.

7/28 KOOCLOUD LIVE

Liu Jin-Ding Broke Open City Gates

Zhao Kuang-Yin was under siege in Shouzhou while at war with the South Tang. He ordered Han Chi to seek reinforcements. Gao’s nephew Gao Jun-Bao led his troupe in a rescue mission, but ended up bring trapped, too. Gao Jun-Bao’s wife, Liu Jin-Ding, came to rescue. She broke all four gates of the city open and defeated the Tang troops.

The Drunken Guard

Kunqu “The Drunken Guard” is a story about a drunken guard on a mission to invite one Mr. Zhao to a moon-watching celebration in the city hall. Being intoxicated, he made a fool of himself on his way.

At the Crossroad

Jiao Zan was in exile to Shamen Island for killing a corrupted officer. Commander Yang, fearing Jiao would get murdered on the way, sent Ren Tang-Hui to secretly protect Jiao Zan. When Ren followed Jiao Zan into an inn at a crossroad, he broke into a fight with the innkeeper Liu Li-Hua due to misunderstanding.