Philosophy Synopsis Multimedia Photo Gallery
Multimedia
Yokohama, Japan 2014
Interlude 1: Barbarian Dance
An Lu-shan, a frontier general charged with making a major tactical mistake during a battle against a tribe Tartar warriors. This mistake cost many lives, and as a result the emperor decreed An Lu-shan must forfeit his own life. But An Lu-shan’s charms hold great affect throughout the court with his grotesque swirl dance. He gains forgiveness from Emperor , and is adopted as a son by Lady Yang.
[Interlude I] Credits:
French libretto: Jacques Picoux, An-Lu-Shan: 廖聰文 Chong-Boon Liau
Emperor: 平良交一 Kouichi TAIRA, Lady Yang: 秦貴美子, Kimiko HATA
Minister: 羅俊穎 Chun-Ying Lo/Julian
(A production of the National Theater of Taiwan and H&K arts Management Associates)
Scene 2: The Music
While sleeping, Lady Yang is summoned by the Moon Goddess, Chang E, to come learn a transcendent and ethereal piece of music and dance. In a past life Lady Yang was a goddess and familiar with the territory of the moon. Now that she is the number one consort, her soul is carried way to learn a composition written by the gods: Rainbow Garment. The learning of the dance marks the beginning of her spiritual journey. Throughout the scene, even though Lady Yang’s body travels with her, she remains in a state of sleep while the heavenly music is played into her and becomes part of her person.
[Scene II] Credits:
Maids: 陳美玲 Mei-lin Chen, 陳珮琪 Pei-Chi Chen, Chang-E: 羅明芳 Ming-Fang Lo
Lady Yang: 秦貴美子 Kimiko HATA
(A production of the National Theater of Taiwan and H&K arts Management Associates)
Scene 3: Night of Grief , Vows
Lady Yang is in a state of torment and drinking because the Emperor transferred his affections (temporally) to his old lover, the Plum Consort. Feeling lonely, and feeling that her position is usurped, Lady Yang goes to confront the Emperor. Late in the evening she travels to the Emerald Pavilion to cast her hurt upon his infidelity. She breaks through the gate of the pavilion and startles the couple. She is met by Gao Li-shi. He makes spurious statements in order to quell Lady Yang’s anger. His stories are of no avail since she finds a hairpin as evidence that the Plum Consort was indeed with the emperor. At last the Emperor appears from elsewhere in his quarters (having sent the Plum Consort on her way), and immediately is rejoined by Lady Yang’s accusations. The deep pain caused by his deception makes the Emperor restate his love for her. Through battered by his transgression, their commitment to each other is enhanced.
They take a ritualized vow of everlasting fealty in the Palace of Eternal Life with Stars as witnesses.
[Scene II] Credits:
Maids: 陳美玲 Mei-lin Chen, 陳珮琪 Pei-Chi Chen, Chang-E: 羅明芳 Ming-Fang Lo
Lady Yang: 秦貴美子 Kimiko HATA
(A production of the National Theater of Taiwan and H&K arts Management Associates)
Scene 4: Banquet and Uproar
An Lu-shan is in revolt. Meanwhile the Emperor and Lady Yang are feasting. There is much wine, and Li Po recites commissioned poems. In one he talks of a prediction of tragedy due to the union of the protagonists. Lady Yang performs the same song.
The revelry goes on and news arrives stating the imperial army is defeated and the capital, Chang-an, is in jeopardy. Making hasty preparations, the stunned emperor orders they abandon the palace at day break and make for a safe haven at Sichuan. The next morning an entourage of relatives, important ministers and army on horseback begins to travel.
[Scene IV] Credits:
Lady Yang: 秦貴美子, Kimiko HATA, Li Bai: 唐美雲 Mei-Yun Tang
(A production of the National Theater of Taiwan and H&K arts Management Associates)
Scene 5: The Toppling
The Emperor and his forces have been routed by An Lu-shan. The army is on the verge of anarchy, and refuses to travel beyond Ma-wei Station. A group of Soldiers murder Lady Yang’s cousin because of his corrupt dealings as prime minister. They intent on having Lady Yang killed as well. The Emperor is enfeebled and relinquishes his power: the army achieves its goal. Moreover he even passively partakes in her death by giving her a length of silk with which to hang herself. Lady Yang, blaming her fate, takes her life in a nearby temple. As she leaves the material world, and her pain is at its peak, she has an image of the dance and music that was transcribed to her through heaven. She is then able to see her troubles as a series of tests; tests that prepared her for her eternity. With that revelation she claims space in heaven as a goddess. Once Lady Yang has left the earth, pear flowers cover the ground.
In the final phase of the scene Li Po is drunk and trying to escape from the revolt that has enveloped the kingdom. It is evening and the moon is full. Seeing a reflection of the moon in a pool of water he tries to catch it, only to tumble and drown.
[Scene V] Credits:
Lady Yang: 秦貴美子 Kimiko HATA
(A production of the National Theater of Taiwan and H&K arts Management Associates)
