The Shade of the Willow

Under the banner of the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center's "Tradition Revitalization Plan," "The Shade of the Willow" breathes new life into a timeless tale. This captivating drama weaves the story of a couple and an unexpected third wheel, challenging traditional notions of love and relationships. The narrative unfolds with Zhu Yingtai, a spirited and rebellious "tomboy," who embarks on a journey disguised as a young man to pursue her studies, leaving her father and childhood behind. Alongside her loyal companion, she meets Liang Shanbo under the tranquil willow shade. Their bond deepens, but while she falls passionately in love, he remains unaware, believing their connection to be purely brotherly. As the story progresses, the revelation of her true identity shatters this illusion, leading to a poignant exploration of love's complexities. Ma Wencai's role blurs the lines between homewrecker and victim, further complicating the love triangle. "The Shade of the Willow" is a comedy cloaked in tragedy, highlighting the various forms of love — mutual affection, Chinese paternal devotion, and unrequited passion. It underscores the painful reality that love, in its many forms, can wound as deeply as it heals. This drama masterfully portrays the emotional turmoil and heartache that ensue when different types of love clash and intertwine. As the characters navigate through their intricate relationships, the play poses a powerful question: when love brings both joy and pain, what choices will we make?

Email: jieminglan1@gmail.com

In collaboration with Haogang Tan, Huizi Liu, Kexin Ma, Le Ao, Lin He, Lingang Dai, Lingxu Zhou, Liyu Sun, Qianbing Li, Qing Fang, Ruiwen Zhao, Runqing Zhou, Shufan Chen, Shuo Wang, Suyun Zhou, Tiange Xiang, Tianyou Wang, Ting Wei, Tuo Cheng, Wenju Liu, Xiaotian Ma, Xiaotong Gao, Xin Ai, Xinping Wei, Xuanyue Chen, Yihao Lyu, Yinzitizar·Paliding, Yong Tang, Yuda Liu, Yuhan Zhu, Yukun Luo, Yulu Han Production: Beijing Julong Oriental International Cultural Media Co., Ltd. Special Thanks to: Space 321, Kunyang Zheng, Boxin Li, Xu Zhai, Moru Zhao, Jiayu Hou, Tianyi Yao, Ji Qi, Jiaming Li, Jifan Huang

TIANQIAO Performing Arts Centre, Beijing, China, 2023

Costume Design

Back to Home Page

Back to Home Page