Event Pictures
Venue Pictures
About the Story
The story centers on Su San, also known as Yutangchun, a celebrated courtesan who falls in love with Wang Jinlong, the son of a high-ranking official. The two pledge lifelong devotion. However, Wang is driven away from the brothel, and Su San refuses to receive any other patrons in loyalty to him.
The brothel keeper later sells Su San to a wealthy Shanxi merchant, Shen Yanlin, as a concubine. Shen’s wife, Pi Shi, is secretly involved with a scholar named Zhao Jiansheng. Together they poison Shen and falsely accuse Su San of the crime. The corrupt county magistrate, bribed by the conspirators, sentences Su San to death.
Escorted from Hongtong to Taiyuan for retrial, Su San recounts her tragic experiences to the guard Chong Gongdao, who shows sympathy and offers comfort. In Taiyuan, the case is reopened in a dramatic three-court trial. By fate, the imperial inspector presiding over the case turns out to be Wang Jinlong himself. Overcome with emotion upon seeing Su San, he struggles to maintain composure.
Two accompanying officials, Pan Bizheng and Liu Bingyi, perceive the situation. Guided by Pan, Liu ultimately overturns the wrongful judgment and clears Su San of all charges. Justice is restored, and Su San and Wang Jinlong are reunited.
Cast
Su San: Jin Jing (Guest Performer)
Su San: Lu Xiaotian
Wang Jinlong: Si Yulin
Why It’s Worth Seeing
For audiences interested in traditional Chinese opera, The Story of Su San offers a compelling blend of romance and judicial drama. Beyond the storyline, attending this performance is also a cultural experience in itself. Peking Opera is one of China’s most iconic traditional art forms, combining stylized movement, symbolic staging, music, and vocal technique developed over centuries.
Even if you do not understand the language, the performance remains visually and emotionally engaging. The elaborate costumes, colorful facial makeup, and highly codified gestures create a rich theatrical world that communicates character and status through visual symbolism. Experiencing a live Peking Opera performance offers insight into traditional Chinese aesthetics and performance conventions, making it not only an evening of theatre but also an immersive cultural encounter.
