LI Bao-Chun on Traditional Chinese Operas

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12/1 At Fortress Zhu-Lian

During the Huang Chao Rebellion, Emperor Xizong of Tang fled to Meiliangchuan and sent Cheng Jing-Si to seek aid from Li Ke-Yong, King of Shatuo. However, Li Ke-Yong held a grudge, as he had been punished for accidentally killing the emperor’s brother-in-law, Duan Wen-Chu, and refused to send rescue.

Cheng Jing-Si, knowing Li Ke-Yong feared his wife, Lady Liu Yin-Ping, strategized with Prince Li Si-Yuan. The two men persuaded Lady Liu to take command and together with Li Ke-Yong’s favorite concubine, mobilize the army. The ladies designated Li Ke-Yong the vanguard and deliberately advanced the reporting time, causing him to miss the assembly and nearly got sentenced. Li Ke-Yong, embarrassed, was then assigned to guard the rear which is less work.

As the troops reached Fortress Zhu-Lian, they encountered resistance from the great warrior Zhou De-Wei. The ladies encouraged Li Ke-Yong to enter the battle. Li Ke-Yong and Zhou were evenly matched in combat, so they decided to settle the fight with an archery contest. Li Ke-Yong’s skill proved superior when he shot down two eagles with one arrow. Impressed, Zhou De-Wei surrendered and became Li Ke-Yong’s twelfth godson.

12/8 Xiang Yu and the Two Ladies

Director & Adaptation: LI Bao-Chun

Music Design: CHUNG Yiu-Kwong

Vocal Composer: LYU Yu-Yong

Lighting Design: LEE Chun-Yu

Costume Design: TSAI Yu-Fen

Stage Design: CHEN Hui

Projection Design: WANG Yi-Sheng

Choreographer: BAO Er-Ji

Composer (RAP): CHUNG Yu-Yang

Choreographer(RAP): CHANG Yueh-Shan

XIANG Yu by LI Bao-Chun

YU Ji by KUNG Yueh-Tzu

LU Zhi by CHEN Yu-Xuan

FAN Zeng by YANG Yan-Yi

ZHONG-LI Mei by LI Long-Xian

Groom by WANG Yong-Tseng

Conductor: CHUNG Yiu-Kwong

Jinhu (Head of Strings): LYU Yu-Yong

Drum (Head of Percussions): LIU Yun-He

Duration: 130 minutes

Filmed on December 14, 2019, National Theater NTCH, Taipei

During the Chu-Han Wartime, Han Xin of Han set up a deadly ambush at Jiuli Mountain, trapping Xiang Yu of Chu at Gaixia. Lu Zhi, Queen of Han, admired Xiang Yu’s manliness. She engaged in separate conversations with Xiang Yu and his beloved woman, Yu Ji. Caught between the tender and devoted Yu Ji and the clever, politically savvy Lu Zhi, Xiang Yu faced a difficult choice between love and power.

Unable to break free from the siege in Gaixia, Yu Ji and Xiang Yu heard singings of Chu songs from all Han camps. Believing the Han force had conquered his homeland and took his people, Xiang Yu bid farewell to Yu Ji with a heartfelt verse, while Yu Ji performed a last sword dance for him. To avoid further burdening Xiang Yu, Yu Ji took her own life. Xiang Yu fought to the last moment and committed suicide at the bank of Wu Jiang River.