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On August 14-15, Under Siege: The Full Story of Farewell My Concubine (《十面埋伏》) — a dance theater production crafted by Yang Liping — will return to the Guangzhou Opera House, offering audiences an extraordinary feast of oriental aesthetics.

Drawing its story from the Battle of Gaixia (垓下之战) between Chu and Han, Yang Liping breaks free from the constraints of traditional historical narrative. She transforms figures such as Liu Bang, Xiang Yu, and Han Xin into symbolic archetypes, placing them within a temporal dimension that traverses past and present. Through body language, stage installations, and visual imagery, the production explores desire, fear, and struggle deep within human nature.

As an experimental stage work that integrates installation art, Chinese opera, and performance art, Under Siege boasts a top-tier creative team. Yang Liping serves as chief director and artistic director. Oscar-winning visual artist Tim Yip takes charge of visual stage design, while avant-garde artist Liu Beili creates the iconic scissor installation exclusively for the show. Eschewing realistic sets, the stage relies on four core images — suspended scissors, red feathers, paper-cutting, and shadows — delivering a uniquely striking visual impact.

Under Siege first came to the Guangzhou Opera House in 2022, earning wide acclaim from local audiences. Returning after four years, it invites audiences once again to experience the distinctive charm arising from the collision and integration of traditional intangible cultural heritage and avant-garde stage art.

⏰Date: August 14-15

📍Venue: Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House 广州大剧院歌剧厅

🚇How to get there: Take Metro Line 3 or Line 5 to Zhujiang New Town Station (珠江新城站), Exit B1, and then walk 350 meters.

Source: Guangzhou Daily

Author: Elena