Highlights of the Chinese Classical Theatre---Nov. 3rd

The UAA Confucious Institute, in celebration of 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, is pleased to bring to Alaska for the first time, the famous spectacle of China’s Peking Opera. With its dynamic blend of martial arts, traditional dance, music, song, and colorful costumes, the Peking opera is an exciting experience sure to entertain the entire family. The Performance Troupe is from China’s prestigious National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts. Its nationwide tour includes stops in New York, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, and Minneapolis. The group will perform highlights from several famous Chinese Operas, representing stories of action, romance, and adventure, including Autumn River, At the Crossroad, Picking Up the Jade Bracelet and The Reed Jungle.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience one of the oldest traditions of performing arts in the world. The troupe will be performing in Anchorage on Tuesday, November 3rd, at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium on the UAA campus at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:30 and the event is free to the public.

Peking Opera---Crossroads Inn 京剧《三岔口》片段

      This story is based on the Romance of Yang Family Generals. Jiao Zan, a general of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is exiled to the Sha Men Island. Ren Tanghui is commanded to disguise himself in order to secretly protect Jiao Zan on his journey into exile. As Jiao Zan stays in a small inn at the crossroad, the Inn’s owner Liu Lihua sees Ren Tanghui lurking and thinks he’s a bandit. The two fight in the darkness but finally discover that they both are trying to protect General Jiao Zhan.

      The role of Ren Tanghui is played by Wu Sheng.

      故事取材于《杨家将演义》，宋将焦赞被发配沙门岛，杨延辉命任堂惠化装暗地随行保护。焦赞等夜宿三岔路口的小店中，店主人刘利华把形迹可疑的任堂惠当成坏人，在黑暗中展开搏斗。
      剧中任堂惠由武生行当扮演，刘利华由武丑行当扮演。

Kun Opera---Peony Pavilion 昆曲《牡丹亭·游园》片段

      Peony Pavilion is the masterpiece of the famous dramatist Tang Xianzu in Ming Dynasty, which enlightened the individual liberty in Chinese history. It has a great impact on Chinese people and is respected by the world literature. Wandering the Garden and Waking from a Dream are two sections rich in romanticism. Lyric, melody and dance are combined together beautifully. Peony Pavillion is one of the most famous works of Kun Opera, and is still performed popularly on the stage.
      In this story, the official Du Bao’s daughter Du Liniang lives with her family and never leaves the house. One day, as she and her maid Chun Xiang walk in the garden, the beautiful spring scenery suddenly inspires her to look for love.
       The role of Du Liniang is played by Wu Dan.

     《牡丹亭》传奇是明代大戏剧家汤显祖的名著，寓有个性解放的启蒙思想，影响极大，为世界文坛所推崇。《游园、惊梦》两折富有浪漫主义色彩，文词、曲调、舞蹈三者完美地结合在一起，成为昆曲代表作之一，至今仍是舞台上经常演出的剧目。
      在这段中，太守杜宝之女杜丽娘，深居闺阁，偶与婢女春香，游览花园，目睹春景，感动情思。
      剧中杜丽娘由昆曲五旦扮演。

Peking Opera---Picking up the Jade Bracelet 京剧《拾玉镯》片段

      Sun Yujiao, a beautiful girl, encounters a handsome young man, Fu Peng who passes by her door while she is embroidering. The two young people fall in love at first sight. Fu Peng purposely leaves a jade bracelet on the floor as a keepsake of love. When Sun Yujiao picks up the bracelet, her neighbor Matchmaker Liu sees her. Knowing Sun Yujiao's plight, Matchmaker Liu decides to help Fu and Sun get married.
      In this scene while Sun Yujiao’s mother is out, Sun goes outside to feed the chickens and work on her embroidery.
      The role of Sun Yujiao is played by Hua Dan.

      少女孙玉姣在门外刺绣，正遇青年傅朋路过，二人相见，彼此爱慕，傅朋故意遗下玉镯一只，以为表记。孙玉姣拾镯时，被邻居刘婆看见，刘婆知其心意后，表示愿为傅、孙二人成全亲事。
      在这一段中，主要表现了孙玉娇在母亲外出的时候，喂鸡，做针线活得生动情景。
      剧中孙玉姣由花旦行当扮演。

Peking Opera---Autumn River 京剧《秋江》片段

      This story happened during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Scholar Pan Bizheng is staying with his aunt at a Taoist temple when he falls in love with the Taoist nun Chen Miaochang. His aunt finds out and forces him to leave his love behind and go to Beijing to take the imperial examination. When Chen Miaochang learns that Pan is leaving, she runs to the bank of the Autumn River and hires an old fisherman to follow him. The two meet on the road, travel to Beijing and get married.
      The role of Chen Miaochang is played by Hua Shan.

      书生潘必正寄居在其姑母所住的女贞观中，与道姑陈妙常情愫相通，心心相印。后被姑母识破，逼其立刻进京考试。陈妙常得知后追到秋江河畔，雇艄翁渔船赶上潘必正，一同进京。
      剧中陈妙常由花衫行当扮演，艄翁由文丑行当扮演。

Peking Opera--- the Reed Jungle 京剧《芦花荡》片段

      This story is based on the classic 15th century novel the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Liu Bei crosses the river and meets his bride Sun Shangxiang who is the princess of the kingdom Dong Wu. After living there for many months, he decides to return to his homeland of Jin Zhou. General Zhang Fei leads an army to welcome Liu Bei at the riverside to ensure his safety, which is arranged by military consultant Kong Ming.
      The role of Zhang Fei is played by Jiazi painted-face.

      故事取材于古典小说《三国演义》，刘备过江与东吴公主孙尚香招亲。安居数月后要回荆州，大将张飞按照军师孔明安排，带兵在江边进行接驾，以保安全。
      剧中张飞由架子花脸扮演。