abstractSynopsis:
Adapted from late Ming Dynasty novelist Yuan Yuling's (-1674) the Western Chamber, this play describes a love story between Yu Shuye, the son of a family of a functionary (educated middle class in Qing dynasty) and a prostitute, Mu Suhui. With the song of Love in the Zhu River, Yu serenaded Mu and won her heart. The two secretly met up in the Western chamber and made a vow to marry each other. However, Zhao Bo, who has feuds with Mu, instigates Yu's father to destroy the chamber and to expel Mu. With no choice, Mu can only write a letter to Yu, asking him to reunite with her by the river. Unfortunately, a series of mishaps obstruct the passage of the letter. When Zhao Bo receives the letter, he only receives a piece of blank paper and chopped off hairs. The two star-crossed lovers miss each other permanently. A stage turntable, as a main locale, with the changes of designs, presents a pavilion, a carriage, a study, a stage and other scenarios. While the main characters perform on the turntable, there are two actors in white arranging chairs, listening to the story and reading the script outside the turntable.