Kenneth Pai’s “The Peony Pavilion: Young Lovers’ Edition

Tang Xianzu’s “The Peony Pavilion” from the Ming Dynasty is an epitome of Chinese opera. It tells the mystical story of Du Liniang dying for her love, and of her coming back to life. It is a song in praise of love and life, touching the hearts of every young generation for four hundred years. It is a show that can never be taken off stage.

Professor Kenneth Pai gave new life to this romantic story. He called for artistic talents from China’s mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, scripted the Young Lovers’ Edition, and produced a brand new show. Young performers, in the same age as the story’s main characters, play the leading roles. The original 55 scenes are condensed to 27; while the essence and the entirety of the original opera are preserved, modern stagecraft and techniques as well as artistic elements are added. These new features attract a new generation of audience and introduce them to the experience of Chinese cultural art forms.

Cast aside by contentious officialdom, I live in leisure. Thinking of a hundred ways, to pass the time of day.

Daylight spent on heart breaking verse, for love is the hardest to put to words. In the White Camellia Hall, day after night, by glowing red candlelight, where hills and rivers inspire my rhymes.

Do not break vows with longing hearts, to meet on the thrice-born path of destiny, toward the pavilion of peonies.

Part I　　Dream of Love
Part II 　Romance and Resurrection
Part III 　Reunion and Triumph