Since its conception in Kunshan 450 years ago, east China's Jiangsu Province, countless pieces of Kunqu Opera have been performed. Yet to name a few of combinations of art and literature, The Palace of Eternal Youth created by Hong Sheng in the reign of Emperor Kangxi of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) is one of them deserving the honor.
Ever since it was published in 1687, this perfect piece of Kunqu Opera immediately became a hit.
"It is an ultimate expression of Chinese people's view about love. Love should be absolute faith, which could transcend the boundaries of time, something that can't be compromised by departure or death. The living can die for love while the dead would come back alive because of love," said Tseng Yongyi, a Chinese literature professor with the Taiwan University.
Hong put such an idea about love into the play in a way that is deeply touching. He created the performance based on the history and some legends from the Tang Dynasty, about the love story between Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Yuhuan.
The beautiful and talented Yang enchants the emperor so he loves her over thousands of concubines.
This benefited Yang's family, whose brother Yang Guozhong is made prime minister, though he proved to be a corrupt and authoritarian leader.
Learning of Xuanzong's love of music, the Goddess of Moon Chang'e invites Yang to her palace whilst sleeping, where she is taught the music of the heaven. Awaken from dream, Yang remembers the tune and together with the emperor composes the score "Nishang Yuyi Qu."
Yang loves lichee so that the emperor orders local producers to send it to the imperial court from the Southern part of the country, trampling many people's fields and causing widespread public anger.
However, their idyllic love becomes a memory when An Lushan launches a rebellion and the country falls into turmoil. The officials and generals who do not like Yang and hate her corruptive brother Yang Guozhong, force Emperor Xuanzong to order Yang's death.
Both the emperor and Yang have no choice that the concubine has to commit suicide at Maweipo.
After her death, the emperor pines for Yang day and night. Their love finally moves the God of Land and the Weaver Girl Goddess who help her return to life and the lovers are never to be parted.
(China Daily December 1, 2004)
