Controversial tale takes the stage

This weekend the prestigious National Kuokuang Opera Troupe(國立國光劇 團) will be bringing a colorful scrap of Chinese history to the stage of the National Theater (國家戲劇院), when it takes to the stage to perform Chin Shao-yu and Su Hsiao-mei (秦少游與蘇小妹).

Penned by two of China's leading classical playwrights, Shilei (石磊) and Wang Huapu(王化普), Chin Shao-yu and Su Hsiao-mei isn't simply a lighthearted operatic tale of forbidden love. The story is also a hotly debated historical issue.

Set during the Northern Sung period, the play tells of the dilemma faced by poet and father, Su Tung-bo (蘇東坡), when he discovers his daughter, the rather tomboyish Su Hsiao-mai, has caught the eye of the dashing young scholar Chin Shao-yu.

While the moralistic tale is considered to be fictitious by certain scholars and historians, there are plenty who disagree and consider it to be historical fact. The blithe story that will unfold on the stage this weekend has led to years of scholarly bickering between the two camps both in China and Taiwan.

The National Kuokuang Opera Troupe(國立國光劇團)will perform Chin Shao-yu and Su Hsiao-mei at the National Theater(國家戲劇院) tonight at 7:30pm, Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7:30pm and Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2:30pm. Tickets cost between NT$300 and NT$1,000 and are available through ERA Ticketing or at the door.