Peking Opera Vengeance In A Black Pot at Shanghai Grand Theatre - Lyric Theatre

The story is taken from Yuan Dynasty Zaju The Pot Ghost That Cries Foul. A merchant, Liu Shichang, is murdered by Zhao and his wife. To leave no trace of this bloody murder, the couple cremates his remains and uses his ashes to make a pot. When Zhang Biegu comes to ask Zhao and his wife to repay the money they owed him, they shove the pot at him, claiming to repay him in lieu. Zhang, who is kind-hearted and honest, discovers that what he got is a pot with a spirit attached, which constantly demands justice for the ills done to it, a strange friendship is struck up between Zhang and the pot ghost. Out of sympathy, Zhang he takes it to the sagacious Judge Bao. After investigation, the truth is out, and Zhao and his wife are brought under justice.

The Pot Ghost performed by Li Baochun is quite unlike other ghosts in the Chinese theatrical tradition – it wears no black veil, and walks with an eerie gait while waving its long, flowing sleeves. This is macabre humour in characterisation. The memorable sung passages in the original score are all retained. The singing and dancing make this a highly entertaining performance.

* The programme is subject to change, it'll be determined to the day of performance.