The Zhejiang Wu Opera from China will present The Legend of the White Snake in Debrecen on April 1st and 2nd, as their only performances in Hungary.
The Legend of the White Snake is based on a well-known Chinese folk tale. Bai Suzhen, the White Snake, has been practicing her magical abilities for a thousand years and is able to take human form. She finds her immortal life lonely and longs to live among mortals. Together with the Green Snake, she descends to Hangzhou, where she meets Xu Xian, a shop assistant in a herbal store by the West Lake. They instantly fall in love, pledge their devotion to each other, and marry.
However, Monk Fahai from Jinshan Temple sees through Bai Suzhen’s human disguise and is determined to separate the couple. On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, Bai Suzhen accidentally reveals her true form, and Xu Xian is shocked to death. In an attempt to save him, Bai Suzhen steals the celestial herb from Mount Kunlun to bring him back to life. She later floods Jinshan Temple in a desperate effort to reunite with her husband. After numerous trials and tribulations, they finally meet again at the Broken Bridge of West Lake. Bai Suzhen’s unwavering love and determination ultimately touch Xu Xian’s heart, leading to a happy ending.
In The Legend of the White Snake opera, an elegant and melodious singing style is combined with versatility, integrating both lyrical and martial elements. The powerful sounds of gongs and drums create a dynamic atmosphere, and modern artistic techniques are also incorporated into the performance. The Broken Bridge scene, in particular, is a lyrical segment infused with martial elements, where serious drama is blended with comedic effects.
Director: Xu Qinna
