Farewell My Concubine Now on Stage

“Farewell My Concubine,” a Chinese theatrical classic better known as a movie will be played in the Little Angels Performing Arts Center from August 22 through 25. The classic work called “Beijing Opera” was introduced to Korean fans in 1993 as a movie in which Jang Gua Rung starred.

It was 1918 when the play was first staged under the title “War between Cho and Han,” telling a tragic love story of Cho Dynasty’s Hangwoo who fell in love with Woomeein while he was on the run after his defeat to Han’s Yubang.

It is widely known for the flamboyant makeup and costume, high-pitched sound of traditional Chinese instruments and exaggerated acts that steal the eyes and ears of the audience.

The group of performance artists will also introduce “18 Disciples of Buddha Fight Sonogong,” which adapted the classic “Seoyugi,” “Samchagu” and “Honggyo Jeungju.” As each play lasts only about 15 to 25 minutes, the audience will not find them boring. And a makeup and costume show will also be held to help the audience better understand the Chinese theatrical art.

The Gyeongkeuk-won, currently visiting Korea to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the diplomatic tie between the two countries, was founded in 1979 and has toured worldwide since then garnering compliments. The government-sponsored academic theater is composed of some 50 leading artists.

“This will be a rare chance for Koreans to experience the essence of Chinese culture that tells the history and people of China on stage,” said the visiting theater.

The show is slated for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are sold for 20,000 to 40,000 won. For inquiries, call 02-501-7888.

Tae-Hun Hwang beetlez@donga.com