History Comes Alive With Shen Yun Zuo Pin’s Original Opera ‘The Stratagem’

History Comes Alive With Shen Yun Zuo Pin’s Original Opera ‘The Stratagem’
A scene from the Shen Yun opera "The Stratagem." Shen Yun Zuo Pin
Maria Han
Updated:
China has a long and continuous history of 5,000 years. Like the rise and fall of the tide, its dynasties came and went. The thrilling story of one such dynasty—the late Eastern Han Dynasty—is now a four-act opera titled “The Stratagem” and is available for viewing on the website Shen Yun Zuo Pin.
This world-class production is truly one of a kind. In under 40 minutes, it presents a drama of high-powered stakes that will determine China’s future.

Saving the Dynasty

The opera tells the story of the tyrant Dong Zhuo, who is more powerful than the very young puppet emperor. Dong’s trusty protector and sidekick, Lu Bu, is a mighty general. Together, they make life at court incredibly difficult for the ministers. If they dare to speak out against Dong, they fall to the blade of Lu Bu.
A scene from the Shen Yun opera "The Stratagem." (Shen Yun Zuo Pin)
A scene from the Shen Yun opera "The Stratagem." Shen Yun Zuo Pin

Something must be done to stop the tyrant from destroying the dynasty altogether. Stepping forward, Wang Yun, a loyal subject to country, devises a plan to separate Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu, who are as close as father and son.

Wang Yun has an adopted daughter named Diao Chan. In Chinese history, she is known as one of the four great beauties. Wang Yun’s plan is to use Diao Chan’s beauty to turn Dong and Lu against one another.

The hero knows the dangers that come with such plotting, but he is determined to see it through. In Act 1, Wang says: “Even if we end in common ruin, I’ll put my gray head on the line. I’ll lay down my head for this country.”

And so the strategy begins. Lu Bu is invited to Wang Yun’s home and, upon seeing Diao Chan, he is immediately bewitched by her beauty. Diao pays the general a few compliments and soon he is even further taken with her. He describes her to be “enchanting as a fairy,“ and says, ”She’s too good to be true.”

A scene from the Shen Yun opera "The Stratagem." (Shen Yun Zuo Pin)
A scene from the Shen Yun opera "The Stratagem." Shen Yun Zuo Pin

Wang Yun then promises Lu Bu her hand in marriage.

Knowing that both Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu are lusty men, Wang then invites Dong to his home for a banquet. As soon as he sets his eyes on Diao Chan, he promises to make her an imperial concubine once he usurps the throne. He says, “Three thousand ladies in the harem, yet you bloom above them all.”

With Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu vying for the same woman, it takes only a few more steps in the plan before they  point swords at each other.

Behind the Scenes

Under the direction of Artistic Director D.F., the opera is an original work with the libretto written by Tianliang Zhang and the music composed by Qin Yuan. The New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra will accompany the cast, which stars award-winning vocalists from Shen Yun, including tenors Gao Liang and Gu Yun, and soprano Yu Ming.
A scene from the Shen Yun opera "The Stratagem." (Shen Yun Zuo Pin)
A scene from the Shen Yun opera "The Stratagem." Shen Yun Zuo Pin

Although sung in Chinese, this production is nothing like Peking opera. The Shen Yun singers are trained in the traditional bel canto singing technique—the most natural way of singing and a method mostly lost through history.

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive China’s 5,000 years of civilization and to present China in its glory before communism destroyed the long-treasured values of the country. Thus, this opera presents not just a tale from Chinese history. It also portrays many vices that can destroy humanity: cruelty, lust, and the abuse of power.

A scene from the Shen Yun opera "The Stratagem." (Shen Yun Zuo Pin)
A scene from the Shen Yun opera "The Stratagem." Shen Yun Zuo Pin

Wielding power, especially, is a great responsibility and, if leaders abuse the power bestowed on them, the heavens will not let them keep that power for long.

Visit the website ShenYunZuoPin.com or bit.ly/TheStratagem to enjoy the full opera. Subtitles are available in several languages.