The NCPA comic opera commission Wukong Thrice Confronts Lady Whitebone, adapted from the classic novel Journey to the West written by WU Cheng’en, tells a story about Tang Monk and his three disciples, who are right on their way to the West for Buddhist scriptures, confronting the demon Lady White-Bone at White Tiger Hill. Tang Monk fails to distinguish the demon from humans for three times, causing Monkey King to be wronged. Yet Monkey King buries the hatchet, subdues the demon, and rescues his master, with Tang Monk awakening to the truth. The opera offers an innovative interpretation of the original story. It unfolds with humorous lines and a tight plot full of twists and turns, showing how to keep faith, distinguish right from wrong and pursue justice. The contest between humanity and demonic nature inspires reflections on growth and life.
Wukong Thrice Confronts Lady Whitebone, a classical allusion from Journey to the West, has been adapted into various forms of art, such as film, TV drama, animation, theatre and traditional opera, greatly loved by the public. After three years of conception and production, the NCPA will present this classic to the audience in the form of an opera. The music in this production is a blend of modern musical language and national charm, featuring rich and varied melodies rendered in a witty and lively style. Elements unique to an opera - arias, recitatives, solos, and ensembles – are used to portray the characters and sketch out the plot, to immerse the audience in the story so that they feel as if they themselves were embarking on the tortuous, twist-filled adventure for the Buddhist scriptures.
The stage setting, costumes and hair style are stylish and sleek, providing a modern interpretation of this traditional classic and fully showcasing contemporary Chinese aesthetics. Relying on a strong cast, superb artistry and excellent production, the opera will be put on the stage as an enjoyable and thought-provoking myth - a profoundly meaningful inspirational fable.
Composer: HAO Weiya
Librettist: WANG Yuanfei
Conductor: LAI Jiajing
Director: WANG Xiaoying
Set Designer: LIU Kedong
Costume Designer: PENG Dinghuang
Lighting Designer: TANG Ming
Makeup Designer: SHEN Miao
Video Projection Designer: WANG Meng
Movement Director & Deputy Stage Director: JIA Fei
Props Designer: WANG Weijun
Sound Designer: CHEN Qingzhou
Lady White-Bone (Soprano): ZHANG Wenqin● / ZHANG Yi
Monkey King (Tenor): LIANG Yufeng▲ / ZHU He
Tang Monk (Baritone): ZHANG Yang●
ZHU Bajie (Tenor): KOU Jing● / ZHOU Xun
SHA Wujing (Bass): GUAN Zhijing● / ZHAO Ming
Tathagata (Alto): HU Yue●
Golden Cicada Immortal (Drama): WU Song★
● NCPA Resident Singer ▲NCPA Chorus Member ★NCPA Drama Ensemble Member
The Lady White-Bone, who longs to eat Tang Monk’s flesh to become immortal, successively morphs into a village girl, an old woman and an old man on White Tiger Hill to approach Tang Monk, only to be seen through and defeated by Monkey King each time. Tang Monk scolds Monkey King for killing the innocent and forces him back to Huaguo Mountain. Thus the Lady White-Bone succeeds and she invites other demons to her grand Tang Monk banquet. SHA Wujing, usually silent, asks his master nine questions in succession, and Tang Monk, feeling remorseful, confesses his inner thoughts, deciding to die for his faith. Bajie escapes and he rushes to ask his senior brother for help. Monkey King then transforms into the Golden Toad Immortal and comes up to the Lady White-Bone secretly. The Tathagata, who watches what is happening, sends two arhats around him to the banquet. A battle unfolds between good and evil, with gods, humans and demons engaged in close combat. The demons’ revelry in the Boyue Cave instantly gives way to wild shrieks and howls. Just as Monkey King is about to slaughter all the demons, the Tathagata turns up, offering both praise and criticism to Tang Monk and his disciples, and admonishes the demons that it is never too late to repent. Having undergone such a severe ordeal, Tang Monk and his disciples resume their journey for the Buddhist scriptures.
*Please purchase tickets through authorized channels to avoid counterfeiting. Before completing your purchase, please verify the performance date, time, venue, and seat number carefully. Performance tickets are time-sensitive and limited in availability. Once a transaction has been completed, tickets are non-exchangeable, non-refundable and cannot be reissued if lost. Please double-check all ticketing details and securely retain your physical ticket or electronic order. If you are unable to attend due to personal reasons, please make your own arrangements regarding the use of your tickets. We appreciate your understanding as any inconvenience caused.
*The cast, programme, or other performance details are subject to change and shall be based on the live performance. In the event of major adjustments - such as changes to the performance date or lead cast - please refer to the official announcements issued by the NCPA and follow the relevant procedures as instructed.
*The NCPA opens 90 minutes before performances, and 60 minutes before art education lectures and similar events. Auditorium entry begins 45 minutes before performances. For all performances and events, the Northern entrance serves as the sole public entrance. Please ensure that ticket scanning and security screening are completed prior to entry, and allow sufficient time to avoid delays.
*Tickets must be retained in their original, intact condition. Admission will be denied for tickets lacking a stub, or bearing any alterations, obscured information, or defacement. Each ticket is valid for a single entry on the date of the performance. For certain performances, presentation of original valid identification documents is required. Admission will be granted only when the ticket information corresponds with the presented identification.
*Recommended admission height: 1.2 meters and above. Special provisions may apply to certain performances or events, as indicated on the corresponding ticketing page.
*All attendees are required to undergo security screening upon entry. Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited within the NCPA premises. Prohibited items include, but not limited to, firearms and replicas, controlled knives, flammable or explosive substances, toxic or hazardous materials, corrosive substances, and radioactive materials. Any prohibited items discovered will be handed over to public security authorities.
*For safety and hygiene reasons, the NCPA does not provide storage services for food, beverages, or similar items. The following items are not permitted inside the NCPA: food and drinks, flags & banners, electronic cigarettes, power banks exceeding 20000mAh, flowers, recording or photography equipment, and oversized luggage.
*Attendees are requested to address appropriately. Admissions will be denied to individuals who are improperly attired or under the influence of alcohol.
*If you are late, please wait quietly in the audience waiting area. Entry will be permitted under the guidance of ushers during appropriate intermissions or between movements, and you are requested to take the nearest available seat with minimal disturbance. For concerts consisting of a single piece - either for the entire performance or a complete half - late arrivals and audience who leave midway will not be admitted.
*All attendees are requested to observe proper performance etiquette. Please keep quiet and remain seated throughout the entire performance. Mobile phones should be turned off or set to silent mode, and calls should not be made in the auditorium. Photography, audio, or video recording of the performance is strictly prohibited without prior permission. The use of flashlights, including phone flashlights, is not allowed.
* After the performance, please exit the auditoriums in an orderly manner. Loitering is discouraged.
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