The Orphan of Zhao

Jingju opera production (1959)
The Orphan of Zhao is an ancient Chinese story that can be traced back 2,500 years and has a rich history on the Chinese stage.

Pictured is an influential production of The Orphan of Zhao which opened in Beijing in 1959. This production was a product of its time - the ruler of the Jin State was portrayed as lustful, cruel and incompetent.

There are many different types of Chinese opera, mainly attached to different regions. Beijing opera (jingju) is one of the most well-known forms.

General Wei Jiang, mistakenly believing that Cheng Ying had betrayed the orphan, attacks Cheng (left), performed by Ma Lianliang, the master of the Ma acting school for male actors, who established his own singing and performance style.

Photo provided by Ma Lung. Information by Li Ruru – Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Leeds.

Tian Qinxin – spoken drama production (2003)
This modern production, from female director Tian Qinxin, explored issues of passion and hatred. The story played out against a red and black cubed-shaped set, suggesting the orphan's divided feelings for his two father figures, and his feelings of aloneness when he discovers the truth about himself.

Having made the plan to save the Orphan, white haired Gongsun Chujiu kills himself by rushing onto the sword, held by Dr Cheng, who has given up his own son to protect the Orphan. The courtier Tu'an Gu is on the far left.

Tian Qinxin – spoken drama production (2003)
Hearing her own son has been killed by Tu'an Gu, Dr Cheng Ying's wife ends her own life.

Photos provided by the Tian Qinxin Theatre Studio, information by Li Ruru.

Yueju - regional opera production (2005)
Yueju, founded in the early 20th century is a type of indigenous song-dance theatre popular in the Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai areas.

In this photo Dr Cheng encounters General Han Jue, the guard, as he tries to smuggle the Orphan of Zhao out of the palace.

Yueju - regional opera production (2005)
This yueju opera production of The Orphan of Zhao focussed on the character of Dr Cheng at two key moments: when he surrenders his own son to save the Orphan and later when he returns the Orphan to his natural mother, as is shown here.

Photos by Yu Qingfeng and information by Li Ruru.

Yuju - regional opera production (2005)
Cheng Ying Rescues the Orphan in this production, in the regional yuju style of opera.

Yuju is a regional opera, accompanied by a special type of wooden clappers, very popular in the Henan area.

Photo shows Dr Cheng Ying telling the Orphan the truth.

Yuju - regional opera production (2005)
Photos shows Caifeng, the maid, being tortured by the soldiers.

Photos provided by Zhang Ping, information by Li Ruru.

Gui Ying - spoken drama production (2009)
This was a student production, directed by Gui Ying, produced by the Black and White Studio, Zhejiang University. It shows Dr Cheng's wife begging him not to give up their child to save the Orphan.

This production will return in 2013 when it tours four universities in Taiwan.

Gui Ying - spoken drama production (2009)
This photo shows Tu'an Gu's soldiers attacking Gongsun.

Images provided by Gui Ying and information by Li Ruru.

Chen Xinyi – Western-style opera production (2011)
Composed by Lei Lei and directed by Chen Xinyi, this adaptation, employing the style of Western opera rather than the traditional Chinese theatre, was produced for the National Centre for Performing Arts.

This production focussed on the two mothers of the story, who both lose their sons. Photo shows Dr Cheng and his wife as he takes their child away from her.

Chen Xinyi – Western-style opera production (2011)
This photo shows Tu'an Gu, a powerful courtier, head of the palace guard.

Photos provided by the NCPA, information by Li Ruru.