The results of the "2006-2007 China National Classic Stage Arts" were announced this January. Ten repertories including Kun Opera "Gongsun Zidu" and Yu Opera "A Red Plum Blossom on the Guillotine" were honored as the "Top Ten Reprehensive Plays."

Co-supported by Ministry of China and Ministry of Finance, the project started in 2002 and since then fifty classic stage performances have been singled out as "Reprehensive Plays." The China National Classic Stage Arts aims to enrich people’s cultural life, bring up successors, and promote the development of Chinese performing arts. Although the plays vary a lot in themes, they have one thing in common: pursue the essence of art and seek artistic creativity.

Kun Opera "Gongsun Zidu"

performed by the Kun Opera Troupe of Zhejiang Province

This play is named after an assistant general in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). Eager to get promoted, the assistant general Gongsun Zidu killed Ying Kaoshu, the general who is brave and makes great contributions to defeating enemies. In order to reward Gongsun's military achievements and alleviate the sorrow of Yin's sister, the king suggests that the two get married. The night when Gongsun and Yin's sister get married, the wife asks her husband to find out who killed her brother. Gongsun feels extremely guilty and frightened.

The play is meant to reveal that jealousy is a weakness of all human beings. Different from previous versions that attach more importance to morality education, “Gongsun Zidu” by Kun Opera Troupe of Zhejiang Province emphasizes psychological self-reflection. Here, the stage serves as a periscope through which the weakness of human beings is displayed. It combines successfully stage acting skills and psyche expression.

Yu Opera "A Red Plum Blossom on the Guillotine"

performed by Little-Queen Yu Opera Troupe of Henan Province

Little-Queen Yu Opera Troupe of Henan Province is the only private opera troupe among all the ten troupes whose works are singled out as the top ten plays. Compared with other state-owned troupes, the Little-Queen Yu Opera Troupe of Henan Province has produced an equally excellent work with less government financial support.

Set in 1947 during the civil war in China, the story is about Liu Hulan, a 15-year-old heroin who was put to death because she refused to surrender to the enemy. Since her death, Liu Hulan has been lauded as a courageous heroin sculptured in monuments. Yet, the Yu Opera “A Red Plum Blossom on the Guillotine” tends to bring the audience a round character with a depth of personality and imitative of life.