Ou Opera: Top Graduate Zhang Xie

The Chinese Opera Festival invites you to discover the varied forms of opera that were popular in Ancient China. The second evening celebrates Ou Opera with the play Top Graduate Zhang Xie.

Summary: 

Zhang Xie is a scholar who sets off for the capital to take the imperial exams. On the road, he is robbed by bandits. After being nursed by a poor girl, he decides to marry her, but regrets his decision after brilliantly passing his exams. Zhang Xie, who now has an official position, does not acknowledge his wife when she joins him. While on the road to a position in the state, he accidentally hurts her with scissors. Later on, the young wife is adopted by Army Minister Wang Deyong. Zhang Xie and his wife then meet again, he admits he was mistaken, he repents and the couple finally reconciles.

Top Graduate Zhang Xie is considered by modern historians as the "China’s first theatre play" and "a living fossil of opera", as it is the most ancient and most complete play of the "Southern theatre" under the Song Dynasty.

Play performed by the Wenzhou Opera Research Institute

Main actors: FANG Rujiang, YE Yuanyuan, HU Tao

For more information on other activities during the festival, visit the website of the Cultural Center of China.