Contention For The Seal
Xiqu
Description
Description
Shangguan Yunlong and Situ Wenfeng are both great warriors of the Handynasty. They have rendered equally distinguished services to the country, the former conquering southern barbarians and the latter wiping out the enemy from Xiliao. Though Yunlong and Wenfeng admire each other, both are too proud to make any such admission. On their way home from their heroic exploits, they meet and begin to quarrel. They take their dispute to the imperial palace, each threatening to resign unless the emperor makes a fair judgment. Dealing with each separately, the emperor adopts Wenfeng as his sister, makes Yunlong lord, and arranges a marriage for the two. The warriors are delighted by the emperor’s rewards, not knowing the true identity of their betrothed. On the wedding night, they are surprised to find out the truth, but the emperor threatens to punish them both if they dare to divorce. They secretly adore each other despite their outward reluctance.
Learning that northern barbarians are invading China, the husband and wife hasten to the drill ground to contend for the commander’s seal. A tournament between them ends in a tie and finally, by drawing lots,Wenfeng becomes the commander-in-chief and Yunlong her deputy. During the war, Yunlong suffers defeat and has to swallow his pride and ask Wenfeng for reinforcements. Finally, he beats the king of the barbarians. Before the emperor, they tell different stories, each glorifying the other’s deeds, and begin to dispute again. Finally, Yunlong is moved by Wenfeng‘s deep love and loyalty. The couple makes up and is reunited.
Note：This event record is compiled from "Hong Kong Xiqu Yearbook 2014" published by International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong).
Info
Free
Indoor
Local