Kunqu Opera: Gongsun Zidu
Updated: 2004-09-20

Time: September 16-17

Place: Huzhou Huxing Theatre

Performance: By the Zhejiang Kunju Opera Troupe

This newly adapted historical play consists of five scenes.

Gongsun Zidu was an assistant marshal of the State Zhen. During the fight against an invasion by the State Xu, after being deceived by the assistant general, Zidu mistakenly killed Marshal Ying Kaoshu. Stung by shame and remorse, he led three army corps to fight the enemies from the State Xu and went back to the court to plead guilty of killing the marshal. Zheng Zhuanggong, in order to become the Powerful Chief of the Feudal Princes of the Spring and Autumn Period 722-481BC, sought to control Zidu, so he commissioned him to be a great marshal and ordered him to invade the State Cheng. Unwilling to fight an unjust war, Zidu commited suicide with a sword.