THE CRY OF THE SOUL

“The Cry of the Soul” is based on William Shakespeare’s classic drama “Macbeth”. In this production, the traditional art of Anhui Opera is fused with bold innovations. A virtual and expressive form of staging is used to represent the work’s classical background.

The action is set in ancient China. The Kingdom of Wei is suddenly attacked by the Kingdom of Xu and stands on the brink of destruction. General Ziyin of Wei takes command in this critical situation; he leads his troops to victory and returns in triumph. On the way back, he encounters three witches, who deliver three prophecies to him: first he will be appointed Marquis of Jingbian, then promoted to Chancellor, and finally he will become king.

At first, Ziyin gives no credence to these predictions. But when the first two prophecies come true, he is seduced by the prospect of power, and is drawn into an inner conflict between this lust for power and his conscience. Urged on by his wife Qijiang, he eventually murders the reigning king and seizes the throne. After ascending the throne, however, they both live in constant fear. Ultimately this interplay between conscience and the threat posed by enemy troops leads to mental breakdown, which ends with the story of the couple’s self-destruction.

Presented by: China Opera Research Society & International Culture Cooperations