This Yue Opera adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber brings one of China’s most famous literary tragedies to the stage through lyrical singing and emotional storytelling. Centered on the ill-fated love between Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu, the production explores love, rebellion, and the collapse of a noble family.

Dream of the Red Chamber follows the story of Lin Daiyu, a frail and orphaned girl who comes to live in the Jia household and forms a deep bond with her cousin Jia Baoyu. In the Grand View Garden, the two connect through shared ideals and a quiet resistance to rigid family rules, nurturing a love shaped by poetry and emotional understanding.

Baoyu rejects official ambition and social convention, a defiance that brings him into conflict with his father. Misunderstandings and emotional distance deepen Daiyu’s inner suffering, culminating in her famous flower-burying scene. Ultimately, family interests lead to a deceptive arranged marriage that devastates Daiyu and drives the tragedy to its end. Realizing the truth too late, Baoyu breaks away from the decaying Jia household and leaves everything behind.

Performers

Performers on 21 Feb

Xin Yaqin – First-class performer, Huadan role, representative of the Wang (Wenjuan) style

Yang Tingna – First-class performer, Xiaosheng role, representative of the Xu (Yulan) style

Performers on 22 Feb

Yu Guo – Second-class performer, Xiaosheng role, representative of the Xu (Yulan) style

Lu Zhiyan – Performer, Huadan role, representative of the Wang (Wenjuan) style

Why People Should Go See This Show

This production offers a classic Yue Opera interpretation of a well-known literary masterpiece, performed by established artists from major Yue Opera traditions. For audiences interested in traditional Chinese theatre, it’s a chance to experience a familiar story through expressive vocals, stylized movement, and emotionally driven performance.