A New Interpretation of Traditional Paichang (Formulaic) Play
Zier of the Wang’s family and Baolian of the Chen’s family have been engaged before their birth. However, Baolian’s father cancels the engagement owning to the decline of the Wang’s family. After learning the incident, Baolian, accompanied by Baochai, sneaks out to give all her savings to Zier and urges him to sit for the imperial examination. Baolian hopes that they can get married after Zier has won high honour and social recognition.
On the other hand, Baochai encounter Zhang Yanxiong who has adoration with Baochai and makes an appointment with her. However, Baochai is snatched by a local tyrant, Zhang Dahong and is forced to marry him. On the wedding day, it happens that Yanxiong is the person who presides over the wedding ceremony. When meeting Baochai secretly at the garden later, he blames for her unfaithfulness. But he soon knows that he has wronged her after learning the truth. Nevertheless, they are discovered by Zhang Dahong and lose contact after escaping from the Zhang’s residence.
Afterwards, Yanxiong sets off to sit for the imperial examination. On the way, he comes across Zier and they become sworn brothers. As for Baochai, she seeks refuge with Baolian and the two ladies become Magistrate Zhang Guoliang’s adopted daughters by chance.
Zier and Yanxiong become the top academic and military scholars respectively. They then pay a visit to their master, Magistrate Zhang Guoliang on their way to their hometown. In Zhang’s residence, they happen to see Baochai and Baolian sailing on a boat in a lotus pond. The two pairs of lovers therefore have a happy reunion. Meanwhile, after learning his son, Zhang Dahong’s evil behaviour, Magistrate Zhang decides to handle the affair impartially and orders Yanxiong to bring him to justice.
Loong Koon-tin as Zhang Yanxiong
Nam Fung as Liu Baochai
Sun Kim-long as Chen Danian
Ruan Dewen as Wang Zier
Li Fung as Chen Baolian
Liu Kwok-sum as Zhang Guoliang (29/5)
Ryder Chan as Zhang Guoliang (26-27/5)
Juliana Kwan as Chunxiang
Ng Lap-hei as Zhang Dahong
Ip Man-ka as Huang
Running time of each performance is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes including an intermission of 15 minutes.
Please refer to the Chinese version.
Tickets available from 29 March onwards at all URBTIX outlets, on Internet, by Mobile Ticketing App and Credit Card Telephone Booking.
Half-price tickets available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients.
(Limited tickets for full-time students and CSSA recipients available on a first-come-first-served basis.)
Programme Enquiries:2268 7325
Ticketing Enquiries:3761 6661
Credit Card Telephone Booking:2111 5999
Internet Booking:www.urbtix.hk
The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists.
The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.