Love and sacrifice in epic Chinese theatre

A trip to Beijing is not complete without a visit to the theatre. Journalists attending the third Belt and Road Forum last month got a taste of traditional Chinese drama courtesy of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe.

For three hours, they were regaled by a colourfully dressed cast at the Chang’an Grand Theatre in Beijing.

The actors performed a dazzling rendition of the age-old play, The Palace of Eternal Life.

The story revolves around the poignant love story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his favourite consort, Yang Guifei.

Xuanzong is caught off-guard in a rebellion as he bathes with her, vowing eternal love to each other. They manage to flee but mutinous troops blame her in part for their plight and demand her death. The emperor is helpless as she hangs herself, setting the stage for a poignant longing for a reunion.

Journalists left with the haunting sound of the actors’ singing and the lingering vibration of the percussion. Trying out the costumes afterwards and posing with the actors completed the treat.