Many people might think Chinese traditional art is not experimental. But legendary performers, Cheng Yanqiu and Mei Lanfang, stand testimony to its explorations.

In 1932, at the age of 27, Cheng was named one of the four great female leads in Beijing Opera, along with, Mei Lanfang, Shang Xiaoyun and Xun Huisheng. Despite his early success he kept searching for inspiration and knowledge. On travels to the West Cheng found that comparing Western and Chinese concepts of performing arts gave him a fresh perspective on his own performances. Returning to China, he integrated this learning into traditional Chinese opera. Cheng Yanqiu died 50 years ago, but left behind a remarkable legacy of innovation.

Danny Yung adapts Cheng's acclaimed opera, Tears of Barren Hill, to examine cross-cultural influences and tell the story of the young Cheng in the West.

A multi-media performance with Chinese and English Text

Co-commissioned by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and Zuni Icosahedron

Director: Danny Yung
Guest Appearance: Shi Xiaomei (Nanjing)
Artistic Consultant: Xu Xinjie (Shanghai) Vivien Ku (Taipei)
Artistic Adviser/Performer: Tian Mansha (Shanghai)
Performer: Lan Tian, Dong Hongsong (Shanghai)
Lyrics: Chen Kehua (Taipei)
Music: Nerve, Pun Tak-shu
Video: John Wong