Xiqu

The White Silk Gown is a new edition Kunqu Opera curated by world-renowned author Pai Hsien-yung and headlined by the winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre Yu Jiulin. Since its debut in 2016, the production has been highly anticipated by the audience. Presented on the traditional Kunqu stage, the original Qing dynasty play of The White Silk Gown was not frequently played. The original version did not come with a particularly impressive plotline or libretti. Reading the Legal Complaint is the most well-known excerpt. The creative team and cast of Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theatre of Jiangsu enhance the portrayal of characters and the representation of human nature. The script of new version has developed greater depth in content, and the production has placed much more attention on aesthetics. The strong bond between the father and son in the play is connected by conflicts and clashes – these traits are usually associated with those in a Greek tragedy or a Shakespearean play. Tragic elements such as interwoven fates, dilemmas between family and jurisprudence and the like are vividly depicted. Constructed with distinguished acting, a libretto with many layers and a highly captivating concept, the production will strike a chord in the heart of its audience. In the performance of classic excerpts, the excellent cast of the troupe will be putting their poignant acting skills into full play. The audience will be following the bumpy ride of the love story between a scholar in dire strait and a wealthy young woman in The Story of the Hairpin and the Bracelet. The lofty spirit to uphold ethical and moral integrity is depicted in The Story of Heroes. The true love between a couple who weather through difficult times are portrayed in The Story of Horse Selling and will be performed by the winners of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre Shen Fengying and Zhou Xuefeng.