Presented by the NCPA, the Peking Opera The Legend of the White Snake is an elaborate traditional opera produced with the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts in celebration of the 75^th Anniversary of the Founding of the PRC, the 10^th Anniversary of General Secretary XI Jinping’s Speech at the Forum on Literature and Art and the 4^th Anniversary of General Secretary XI Jinping’s Reply to a letter from the teachers and students of the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts.

 

Modeled on the Peking Opera The Legend of the White Snake written in 1952 by Mr. TIAN Han and based upon the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts’ classic stage version, the NCPA The Legend of the White Snake unfolds along the love between BAI Suzhen and XU Xian, giving prominence to what makes human nature genuine, virtuous and flawless. To seek true love, Snake Fairy BAI Suzhen comes into the world, where she undergoes all hardships, even on the point of shrinking back, but finally getting married with XU Xian under the protection of Green Snake. At the same time, Monk Fahai, who is devoted to keeping peace in the world, is analysed from the perspective of great love. He first obstructs human-fairy marriage but later witnesses White Snake treat sick people, first persuades XU Xian to join the Jinshan Temple but later supports BAI Suzhen in giving birth to a baby, and first sends a general with magical power to assist in fighting but later acquiesces in XU Xian’s return to home. Fahai’s transformation implies that true love is the greatest energy to exist in the universe and an important tool for dissolving barriers.