A story of one garden, two lives. The husband, on a diplomatic mission to the Jin State for fifteen years, with the country and the world on his mind, can only bury all his longing in his heart. The wife, waiting day after day until death, yet all the letters say only that all is well. After fifteen years, Hong Hao finally returns to his hometown, but he is separated from his wife Shen by life and death. They can only meet in dreams. Dreams are not reality after all. When he wakes up, he sees only the egrets cuddling and the brook remains the same. This is reincarnation. Today, it is finally the husband’s turn to wait, waiting for the day when they will finally reunite… A grand drama that cannot fully tell the beautiful legends in Xixi. The continuous drizzle weaves a romantic Jiangnan aesthetic picture. May we all be blessed with longevity. Though far apart, we are still able to share the beauty of this moment in Xixi!
Outline of the performance: A1 [Flower Sea] In the magnificent scene of Mid-Autumn Festival, with a full moon hanging high and a sea of flowers shining brightly. Shen is waiting under the fire persimmon tree with her young son Hong Shi for her husband to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival together. But when her husband returns, there is an envoy’s staff in his hand. This staff symbolizes the country and the world, and it means separation.
A2 [Long Bridge] A black-awning boat carries Shen’s longing and the son’s resentment. Hong Hao has been on a diplomatic mission to the Jin State for five years. Day after day, the son is tired of waiting, but Shen is still stubbornly waiting.
A3 [Hong’s Mansion] After ten years, Hong Hao is finally going to return to his hometown this Mid-Autumn Festival. The mansion gate is already decorated with lanterns and guests are gathering. However, a letter shatters this illusion…
B1 [Corridor] Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for reunion, with a full moon hanging high, but for Hong Hao, it is a time of departure. He is about to leave on a diplomatic mission to the Jin State today. He waves goodbye to his hometown and Jiangnan, burying deep his longing and reluctance for his wife and children. A real man finds it difficult to balance family and country. When the land is restored, he can return home.
B2 [Cold Mountain] After ten years of suffering, Hong Hao encounters a general amnesty in the Jin State and can return home. At the moment he leaves, he hears the Man Jiang Hong sung by the empress dowager… The Yue Army is fighting outside. Can Hong Hao be greedy for this moment of peace? But he has been away from home for ten years. He doesn’t know what time it is. His longing has nowhere to rest… Should he go or stay? This is the most difficult choice of his life.
B3 [School] Hong Hao sees that the war has left the land in ruins. He hates himself for being a useless scholar. In troubled times, what should a scholar do? Can the pen in his hand be used as a sword? Can his poems and writings pacify the chaos?
Audience Show [Return Home] After fifteen years, Hong Hao finally returns to the Great Song Dynasty. However, he and Shen are already separated by life and death. He cannot forgive himself, and neither can his son Hong Shi. His only comfort is to meet Shen in his dreams.
Opening hours: From September 1st to September 29th, open from 19:30 to 20:30 on Tuesdays to Sundays; from October 1st to October 7th, open from 19:10 to 20:10; on October 8th, closed all day; from October 9th to October 31st, open from 19:10 to 20:10 on Tuesdays to Sundays; from September 1st to September 29th, closed all day on Mondays.
Preferential policies for children: 1.
Children under 2 meters (not included) enter for free. Additional note: those 1.2 meters (included) and above must purchase an adult ticket.
The Performance of ‘Tonight in Xixi’
A story of one garden, two lives. The husband, on a diplomatic mission to the Jin State for fifteen [...]
