The story takes place during the turmoil of the Wei-Jin era. Ji Kang is a fiercely moral scholar who expresses his integrity through his qin. In a dream, he receives the transcendent melody Ancient Tune of Guangling, through which he also foresees doom. He chooses a plebeian life over the offer of high positions. When political intrigue tightens around him, his scrupulous words of advice lead to his imprisonment. At the execution ground, he calmly plays Ancient Tune of Guangling one final time. The abrupt breaking of a string on his instrument signifies a life laid down for a moral cause. This new Cantonese Opera features both renowned Cantonese Opera stars and rising artists. The production illustrates the lofty ideals and the integrity of the literati through the artistry of Cantonese Opera.
Programme Details
11-12/9 7:30pm
13/9 2:30pm
A New Cantonese Opera Ancient Tune of Guangling
Playwright: Woo Kwok-yin
Artistic Director and Director: Leung Wai-hong
Main Cast: Loong Koon-tin, Tang Mi-ling, Yuen Siu-fai, Liu Kwok-sum, Man Shuet-kau, To Wing-sum, Ng Lap-hei
In the waning years of the State of Wei, the realm is beset by unrest and political strife. The famed scholar Ji Kang cherishes the ambition to bring order to the world; yet the reign of Wei declines, while the Sima clan usurps power. With no recourse, he withdraws into seclusion among the bamboo groves. One night, he dreams of an immortal who imparts to him a piece of qin music that is out of this world – Ancient Tune of Guangling. He is also told both its origins and the ominous fate entwined with it. Upon waking, Ji Kang devotes himself to mastering the piece, and at last unravels its hidden codes. He intends to give the piece its first sounding before his friends, so he calls a gathering of kindred spirits in the bamboo grove. Yet Zhong Hui arrives uninvited. In the clash of words that follows, animosity grows.
Soon the political situation worsens. Sima Zhao murders the sovereign and installs a new emperor, styling himself Prince of Jin, his authority towering above all. Seeking to consolidate his rule, he endeavours to draw celebrated literati into his service. Ji Kang’s close friend Shan Tao, who is a relative of Sima Zhao, is ordered to summon him to office. Zhong Hui also rises in favour through his talents. To evade conscription, Ji Kang conceals himself among the common folks and severs ties with Shan Tao. Yet, in adjudicating a dispute between the Lü brothers, he incurs the resentment of the elder, Lü Xun, who conspires with Zhong Hui to bring false charges against him. Sima Zhao, long wary of Ji Kang’s renown, seizes the chance to strike by another’s hand. Thus Ji Kang, steadfast in righteousness and unbending in speech, is thrown into prison. Three thousand students petition for his pardon, but in vain. At the place of execution, he remains calm, takes up the qin, and plays Ancient Tune of Guangling one last time. As the strings break, his mortal soul departs. Yet his lofty morals and integrity endure among posterity.
