Farewell My Concubine

"Farewell My Concubine" is one of the most moving and tragic pieces in the Beijing Opera repertoire. Set during the final days of the Chu-Han contention (202 BCE), it tells the story of the warlord Xiang Yu and his beloved concubine Yu Ji (also known as Concubine Yu).

After being defeated by Liu Bang (who would later become the first emperor of the Han Dynasty), Xiang Yu finds himself surrounded by enemy forces at Gaixia. Realizing that defeat is imminent, he holds a final banquet with his remaining soldiers and Yu Ji. During this farewell feast, Yu Ji performs a sword dance for her lord one last time.

Understanding that she would become a burden to Xiang Yu in his attempt to break through the enemy lines, and fearing that she might be captured and humiliated, Yu Ji takes Xiang Yu's sword and commits suicide as her final act of loyalty and love.

This performance features our principal performers Chen Hao as Xiang Yu and Lin Qian as Yu Ji, showcasing the powerful singing and dramatic acting that are hallmarks of Beijing Opera.