The Drunken Beauty

"The Drunken Beauty" is one of the most celebrated pieces in the Beijing Opera repertoire, showcasing the art form's unique blend of music, dance, mime, and acrobatics. This one-act play depicts Yang Yuhuan (known as Yang Guifei), the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty.

The story unfolds on a summer evening when Yang Guifei is waiting for the Emperor to join her for a banquet in her palace. As time passes and the Emperor fails to appear, she becomes increasingly distressed, believing he is spending time with another concubine. To drown her sorrows, she begins drinking wine, eventually becoming intoxicated.

The performance is renowned for its expressive portrayal of the various stages of intoxication, requiring the performer to master a complex series of movements and emotional expressions. The role of Yang Guifei is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious for female performers in Beijing Opera.

This production stars our award-winning performer Zhao Ling, whose interpretation of this classic role has received acclaim throughout Asia.