Golden Days: Northern Stage

The story takes place in China in an age of fast economic growth while traditional Kunqu Chinese opera culture is experiencing a decline. Wu Yujiao, the master of Kunqu, has three sons,  none of whom can carry on the art.

All hope lies in the only disciple, Jin Xiu. On the stage, Jin Xiu plays the role of Du Liniang, a young woman seeking love; while off the stage, betrayed by her lover, she is willing to sacrifice her youth and even her life for her art. The struggle between love and duty intensifies in the conflict of preserving traditional culture in a market economy.

The play has been translated from Chinese to English and is performed by students of Newcastle University School of Modern Languages.

The Playwright

Zhao Yaomin was the first Chinese playwright to dedicate himself to theoretical considerations and art practice of absurd comedy. He has produced many plays. Wu Ye Xinqing (The Mood at the Midnight) and Ge xing yu Xingxing (The Singing Star and the Chimpanzee) have both won the Cao Yu Drama Award.