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Happiness for all
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ZhongKui's Earthly Mission |
ZhongKui's Earthly Mission |
ZhongKui's Earthly Mission |
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Chen,Zhiping |
Chen,Zhiping |
Chen,Zhiping |
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ZhongKui's Earthly Mission |
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Chen,Zhiping |
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Happiness for all
: Zhong Kui's Earthly Mission
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“Zhong Kui’s Earthly Mission” is one of the most unique of all
Kunqu plays, not only for its extreme dexterity in dance
movements but also for the tale it tells of tender feelings
between siblings and friends across the barrier between the
human world and the netherworld. Performances of “Zhong Kui” are
rare, as few actors are physically and technically able to meet
all the challenges the role of Zhong Kui poses.
As the plays opens, Zhong Kui, a grand marshal in the
netherworld, gives order to the little ghosts under his command
to prepare a trip back to his earthly home to pay his younger
sister a visit. Back when he was in the human world, Zhong was
an aspiring scholar who travelled to the capital with his friend
Du Ping to attend the imperial examination, which both of them
passed. Du Ping was promptly appointed to an official post,
whereas Zhong Kui was disqualified by the emperor because of his
less than attractive looks and countenance. In a fit of
humiliation and anger Zhong killed himself, and was buried by
the grief-stricken Du Ping. Once in the netherworld where his
wild looks serve him well as an asset, Zhong Kui becomes a
favorite of the ruler, who bestows upon Zhong the highest
position of Grand Marshal. Although living in relative peace and
content, Zhong keeps thinking about his younger sister, whom he
once promised to Du Ping in marriage. Finally he decides to come
back to the human world to escort her to Du Ping in the capital,
and to see to it that the two are wed.
Upon seeing her deceased brother, Ms. Zhong is at once stunned
and thrilled. After a few exchanges they set off on their trip.
The play closes with an elated and relieved Zhong Kui -- his
last earthly mission accomplished -- returning to the netherland
after the joyous wedding ceremony of his beloved sister and his
loyal friend.
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