This play is TV and Xiangsheng actress Lang Zu-yun's first attempt in directing Taiwanese opera. Wen Yu-hang, sheng (male characters) of Beijing Opera and Kunqu Opera, helped with the choreography. Chief executive Sun Furei is the playwright. He writes about the homosexual love between Emperor Ai of...Read more
This play is TV and Xiangsheng actress Lang Zu-yun's first attempt in directing Taiwanese opera. Wen Yu-hang, sheng (male characters) of Beijing Opera and Kunqu Opera, helped with the choreography. Chief executive Sun Furei is the playwright. He writes about the homosexual love between Emperor Ai of Han, Liu Xin and the very good-looking Dong Xian's romance. It had received so many positive reviews that additional performances were given after merely half a year.
The story begins with Dong Xian's recusing Liu Xin in Phoenix Mountain. Though they had not exchanged names, both were quite impressed with each other. Later on, Liu Xin ascended to the throne while Dong Xian served in the court. One night, they met in the imperial study. Ever since then, Liu Xin would ask Dong Xian to accompany him night and day. Liu Xin also promoted Dong Xian three times within a month. At first, Dong Xian would rather die than become Liu Xin's lover. However, Liu Xin repeatedly pleaded for his consent, promising that he would treat Dong Xian with much respect, without daring to violate him. Once when Dong Xian was asleep lying on Liu Xin's sleeve, Liu Xin cut off his sleeve so as not to awaken him. Much moved, Dong Xian realized that Liu Xin's affection went beyond the differences between gender and rank. Finally, he accepted this forbidden romance.
One distinct feature of the Yi-Shin Taiwanese Opera Troupe is their sheng pair starring the sisters Sun Shi-yong and Sun Shi-pei.In their past repertoire, they have played the assassin and the assassinated king, twin brothers who marry the same wife, and antagonizing apprentices. In this play, a traditional opera that challenges the subject of homosexuality, they take up the roles of same-sex lovers, reaching a breakthrough in their career.
Category | Xiqu(Traditional Opera) |
Type | Taiwanese Opera |
Chinese Title | 斷袖 |
Group | Yi-Shin Taiwanese Opera Troupe |
Creative staff | Yi-Shin Taiwanese Opera Troupe |
Subtitle | Mandarin Chinese |
Premiere | 2013-06-29 |
Venue | The Metropolitan Hall, Taipei |
Duration | 180min |
Image Source | |
Other Works | The Ghost Consort Prince The Unrestrained SOUL |