The 1980 film Red Peony, for which Jiang Dawei sang the theme song, turned the singer and the leading actress Jiang Lili into household names overnight. Though the acting and script seem raw by today's standards, it is not surprising that the film was a success as the whole nation was thirsty for humane subjects after the chaos of the "cultural revolution" (1966-76).
A more artistically mature work connected to the peony is the revival of Peony Pavilion, a drama written by Tang Xianzu in 1598. Taiwan writer Kenneth Pai (Bai Xianyong) spent years rearranging this classic Kunqu Opera that defied feudal restrictions with an audacious depiction of free love.
Young actress Shen Fengying and actor Yu Jiulin are wonderful in the roles of Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei, demonstrating a rare charm.
As the Kunqu artists go on a global tour this year, the National Ballet of China will present a drama on the same story in May.
Is it possible to catch a classic noble lady's spirit with pas de deux? Possibly. Since the peony has always been a symbol of rejuvenation.
By Liu Jun,Su Jie
Editor:Hu Zhicheng
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