Peking Opera Divergence
Divergence, also known as The Exile of JIAO Zan, is adapted from the 27^th to 28^th chapters of The Legend of Generals of the Yang Family, a traditional Peking opera for Wusheng (male warrior role). The Peking Opera tells the story of REN Tanghui who, while secretly protecting General JIAO Zan, arrives at Sanchakou for a night’s sleep and gets into a fight with inn owner LIU Lihua due to a misunderstanding. During the Song Dynasty, JIAO Zan, a general of the Three Passes, kills XIE Jinwu, son-in-law of WANG Qinruo, and is therefore exiled to Shamen Island. YANG Yanzhao sends REN Tanghui to protect JIAO secretly. JIAO is escorted to Sanchakou, where he stays at an inn for the night; REN rushes to the inn as well. During the night, LIU Lihua, the owner of the inn, has a misunderstanding with REN while trying to save JIAO and they fight in the late night. During the fight, LIU’s wife rescues Jiao Zan, who recognizes REN. They go to the Three Passes together.

Lead Performers: XIE Hao, BI Jiawang


Peking Opera The Emperor and Country Girl
The Emperor and Country Girl, also known as Meilong Town, is drawn from the Legend of the Ming Dynasty. Emperor Wuzong of Ming likes to travel around with his identity concealed. When he does so, he leaves administrative matters to JIANG Bin, LIU Jin and other villains, so that treacherous officials are in power, and law and order is no longer in place. One day, when the emperor travels to the Meilong town, he disguises himself as an officer and stays at LI Long’s house. LI Long and his sister LI Feng depend on each other, and they make a living by running an inn. LI Long happens to have to go out, so he asks his sister to entertain the guests. When the emperor notices that Feng is very pretty, he tries to tease her; he asks for tea and wine repeatedly, taking the opportunity to flirt with her. Feng is a little shy and angry, but the emperor is completely charmed by her and even confesses his identity to her. Feng does not believe him, so the emperor takes off his coat and reveals his dragon robe inside. Feng is so shocked that she falls to her knees and begs for forgiveness, and the emperor laughs and comforts her. She is then made a concubine of him. The Emperor and Country Girl is a traditional Peking opera. Emperor Zhengde (Wuzong of Ming), on a private trip to Datong, passes by LI Long’s inn and notices his beautiful sister, LI Feng. The emperor flirts with the beautiful girl. Later, he tells the girl his true identity and makes her his concubine. The opera is a traditional work for a sheng (male role) and a dan (female role). The version performed by YU Shuyan, MEI Lianliang and MA Lianliang is the most celebrated. MA Lianliang and ZHANG Junqiu have co-starred together in this Peking opera, which has been made into a film.

Lead Performers: CHANG Qiuyue, SONG Haoyu