11. Yue Opera: The Romance of the West Chamber: “The Delivered Message.”

1. Origin of the Work

From Yuan-dynasty zaju to the Yue Opera stage: a classical re-creation

The Romance of the West Chamber is one of the great masterpieces of Chinese theatre, written by Wang Shifu in the late 13th century during the Yuan dynasty. It represents the pinnacle of classical Chinese love drama and has been continuously reimagined over the centuries.

During the Ming dynasty, Li Rihua adapted it into southern sung theatre. Later, Kunqu, Peking Opera, and many regional opera forms adopted the work, making The West Chamber an inexhaustible source for the traditional repertoire.

Within this rich lineage, the Yue Opera (Yueju) version stands out for its delicacy and lyrical sensitivity. Emerging in the 1930s, it is now regarded as one of the four great classics of Yueju. Legendary interpretations by Yuan Xuefen, Fan Ruijuan, and Yin Guifang shaped unforgettable portrayals of Cui Yingying and Zhang Sheng, defining the aesthetic ideals of Yue Opera.

 

2. Story and Context

How a letter unsettles a heart behind the walls of the inner chambers

The story follows Zhang Gong (Zhang Sheng), a young scholar lodging at Puji Monastery, where he meets Cui Yingying, the daughter of a former minister who lives in the West Chamber with her mother. Through poetic exchanges, the two fall in love.

When the rebel Sun Feihu besieges the monastery to abduct Yingying, her mother publicly promises her daughter to whoever can save them. Zhang Sheng secures help from Governor Du Que and repels the attack. Yet once the danger has passed, Yingying’s mother breaks her promise, citing the difference in social status.

The lovers fall into despair until the clever maid Hongniang intervenes. Through her ingenuity, Zhang Sheng and Yingying exchange letters and meet secretly, affirming their bond.

“The Delivered Message” focuses on a pivotal moment: Yingying pretends to end the relationship in writing and entrusts Hongniang with delivering a “farewell letter.”
Opposite her stands a distraught Zhang Sheng, for whom every word becomes a trial of the heart.

Around this single letter unfold deception and truth, hesitation and revelation. In an intimate two-character exchange, humor, tenderness, and emotion intertwine. Without grand scenery or spectacle, the scene generates intense emotional tension from a simple piece of paper.

 

3. The Aesthetic of Yue Opera

When the gentle southern voice sings of love

Though brief and featuring only two characters, this scene fully reveals the essence of Yue Opera:

• Music: supple, lyrical melodies of great expressiveness.
  Hongniang’s bright vivacity (Lü school) contrasts with Zhang Sheng’s deeply emotional vocal line (Yin school).
   

• Spoken text: natural and lively.
  Hongniang’s frank wit meets the scholar’s awkward sincerity, creating a deeply human comedy of character.
   

• Stage performance: Yue Opera excels in subtlety.
  Glances, steps, water sleeves, and minute bodily shifts convey inner turmoil with exquisite finesse.
   

4. Role Types

When sheng and dan find perfect balance

Zhang Sheng — xiaosheng
An emblematic Yue Opera role, the xiaosheng represents the refined young scholar. In the Yin (Guifang) school interpretation, Zhang Sheng embodies both cultivated elegance and emotional excess, giving poignant depth to the “poor but lovesick student.”

Hongniang — huadan
The huadan represents youthful intelligence and vitality. In the Lü (Ruiying) school, Hongniang appears forthright, energetic, and warm-hearted—combining a chivalrous spirit with genuine humanity.

 

5. The Essence of the Scene

Two characters, infinite nuances

The power of “The Delivered Message” lies in the interplay between Hongniang and Zhang Sheng:

• Hongniang’s candor and cunning
  Though a servant, she controls the situation. Her sharp speech, lively gestures, and humor conceal deep kindness. She delivers not just a letter, but the courage to love.
   

• Zhang Sheng’s obsession and sincerity
  His agitation while reading the letter, repeated pleas, and awkward gratitude make him both comic and deeply endearing.
   

• The central object: the letter
  Placed down, forgotten, retrieved, hidden—each handling becomes dramatic. When Zhang Sheng finally dares to read it, the audience’s heart beats in unison with his.
   

6. What to Watch and Listen For

Catching the emotional vibrations between the lines

To fully appreciate this scene:

• Observe how suspicion gradually turns into trust.
   

• Listen to the subtext: Hongniang’s teasing is full of encouragement; Zhang Sheng’s naïveté is disarmingly sincere.
   

• Savor the details: the moment the letter is opened concentrates the scene’s highest emotional intensity.
   

Let yourself be carried by the gentle, flowing charm of Yue Opera, like a river in Jiangnan.
Within a single letter are condensed courage, emotional truth, and the radiance of a love that dares to defy convention.

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7. Performers

Wei Meng — Zhang Gong (Zhang Sheng)
A leading xiaosheng with the Beijing Yue Opera Research Association, specializing in the Yin (Guifang) and Fan (Ruijuan) schools. Trained from childhood by renowned masters, he has over thirty years of professional stage experience. In 2023, he represented Canada on Zhejiang TV’s The Voice of China Yue Opera special.

Dongmei Shi — Hongniang
A core member of the Peking Opera – Québec Art Center. Introduced to Chinese opera at a young age, she has studied Kunqu (Guimendan roles) since 2021 under Xu Jiawan. A versatile performer in Kunqu, Peking Opera, and Yue Opera, she has also taught Chinese opera appreciation at the university level for over a decade. In 2023, she likewise represented Canada on The Voice of China Yue Opera special.