"A Banquet for Two," a scene from "Palace of Eternity"

"Palace of Eternity" (Chang Sheng Dian)

A Kunqu masterpiece by Hong Sheng (1645-1704), "The Palace of Eternity" tells the legendary romance between Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty (reigned 713-756) and Lady Yang Yuhuan. A great beauty with many artistic talents, Lady Yang has been the emperor's most favorable imperial consort for almost twenty years. The emperor himself is also a gifted artist and a leading patron of music and performing art. As the royal couple indulge themselves in arts and a life of sensual leisure, the emperor neglects his duties as a ruler and entrusts the state affairs to Yang Guozhong, the corrupt Grand Councilor and a brother of Lady Yang. Taizong's misrule leads to social and political tumults, which eventually results in revolts. As the rebel force of An Lushan charges toward the capital, the emperor and Lady Yang, escorted by the imperial guards, flee to the southwestern province, Sichuan. During their flight, the guards become mutinous and demand Lady Yang's death.  After much anguish, the emperor lets Lady Yang hang herself.  The emperor is escorted to Sichuan after her death. Years later, the emperor returns to the recaptured capital, after the rebellion has been crushed. Back in the Palace of Eternity where he and Lady Yang once pledged lasting love, the emperor, deeply in remorse and ashamed of his cowardly decision to let her die, spends his remaining days mourning for his beloved.

"A Banquet for Two" is the first part of "Startled by the Rebellion." (Jingbian)

"Startled by the Rebellion" is a scene from "The Palace of Eternity," a dramatic turning point in the play, marking the abrupt end of Emperor Taizong and Lady Yang's happy and languorous life. The scene begins with Emperor Taizong and Lady Yang strolling hand in hand among the lovely autumn blossoms in the imperial garden. The emperor then orders to have a banquet al fresco set for two. Lady Yang sings -- dancing at the same time -- a song based on a poem composed by the great Li Bai. Surrounded by such enchantment, the emperor gently urges Lady Yang to drink with him until she gets quite intoxicated. Moments after Lady Yang is escorted back to her quarters, her brother Yang Guozhong rushes in to report to the emperor that An Lushan, one of the emperor's favored generals, is leading a rebel force charging toward the capital. The scene ends with the stunned emperor ordering the court ladies to get Lady Yang ready at once for a flight to Sichuan.

Prepared by Ben Wang for the Kunqu Society