34rd Macau Arts Festival-New Cantonese Opera “Under the Pagoda Tree”

The 34th Macao Arts Festival, with the theme of "Adventures", will be held from May 3 to June 7, presenting 19 selected programs and 23 extended activities, with a total of about 80 performances. Covering drama, opera, dance, music and visual arts, etc., high-quality art programs are carefully selected. Many programs of this arts festival are themed with fantasy elements (such as: "The Jungle Book (Reimagined Edition)", "Sleeping Beauty" ), interpreting classic stories in innovative ways and embarking on an adventure with the audience. From this art festival, the audience can encounter various aspects of life, including exploring the relationship between people and the environment, family love, time, family, etc.

While gazing at the mortal world from the heavens, the Seventh Fairy, daughter of the Emperor of Heaven, is moved by the hardships endured by Dong Yong, a dutiful son who is trying to bury his father. Tired of the grim life at the palace, feeling compassion for the young man, the celestial maiden descends to Earth and, without permission, marries Dong Yong under a pagoda tree. One hundred days after the marriage, the Emperor hears about the romance and orders her immediate return. Reluctantly, the lovers must say goodbye...

The legend of Dong Yong and the Seventh Fairy has been widely popular in China over thousands of years. This extensively readapted immortal love story has inspired numerous operas, films and television dramas such as the well-known Huangmei Opera A Goddess’ Marriage.

Constantly looking to innovate, the locally based Zhen Hua Sing Cantonese Opera Association is staging a new version of Under the Pagoda Tree, featuring the renowned actor Chu Chan Wa with a number of local actors. Combining exquisite performance and modern stage technologies, this show embodies the ongoing reinvention of cultural heritage and stage arts.