SYNOPSIS

This opera tells the life story of Emperor Guang Xu, the eighth (or second last) Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (AD1654 - 1911) and the power struggle between him and the Empress Dowager during his reign from AD 1875 - 1908 as well as the political intrigues in the Qing Imperial Court during this epoch. The dialogue and singing will be in English.

The opera focuses on the causes, the planning, and the failure of the "One Hundred Day Reform" instituted by Guang Xu in 1898 to save China from further degeneration. The opera ends with the death of Guang Xu in 1908 after the signing of the humiliating Boxer Protocol in 1901 following the Boxer Rebellion.

The opera comprises eight scenes. This is the first time a scene depicting the allies from eight foreign nations led by Germany dictating terms with the Qing government is staged. This is also the first time the passing of Guang Xu is dramatically staged in the local arts arena.

The opera features Mrs Joanna Wong JP BBM (Cultural Medallion winner) as the Empress Dowager. she is also the director of this full length opera.

The opera has a cast of fifty with Miss See Too Hoi Siang, as the lead actress playing the role of Zhen Fei, the concubine of Guang Xu. See Too Hoi Siang is the first Chinese Opera artist in the world to win "The Outstanding Young Persons in the World for 2001 Award" for cultural achievement presented by the Junior Chamber International, a world organisation for community services. She received the trophy at a grand presentation ceremony held at the Palau de la Musica Catalana (one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world) in Barcelona, Spain on 7 November 2001. She is the top disciple of Joanna Wong.

Enquiries at:

• CTC: 6323 4862, Handphone: 9630 2886
• GATECRASH: 6222 5595 (Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm; Sat, Sun & public holiday: noon-6pm)

Supported by:
HONG LEONG FOUNDATION    SHAW FOUNDATION

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