Yue Opera: Story of Lisanniang
Updated: 2004-09-20

Time: September 23

Venue: Zhoushan Haishan Theater

Performance: By the Zhejiang Yue Opera Troupe

An adaptation from a Southern Opera, this opera tells the story of Li Sanniang and her husband Liu Zhiyuan. After their marriage, the couple is greatly mistreatedby liu's brother and sister-in-law. Liu Zhiyuan, therefore, flees the hometown and joins the army, while Li Sanniang is kept in a mill, to work all day and all night. She gives birth to a child in the mill and names him Yao Qilang, who is thrown into a pool by the wicked sister-in-law but fortunately was rescued by others. Several years later, Liu Zhiyuan is promoted to general as a result of his distinguished service. He sends his men to bring Li Sanniang to him so that the couple can have a reunion. The brother and his wife, however, refuse to tell the truth so Liu's men fail to bring Li Sanniang back.

One day, while chasing after an injured white rabbit on the snow-covered ground, Yao Qilang unexpectedly meets his mother. When Liu, learns of this, he takes Li as well as Yao home by himself and the family is finally reunited.