Photo by Ruan Yulin, China News Service
On the evening of March 5 local time, the large-scale legendary historical drama “Empress Wu Zetian,” starring renowned Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing, premiered at the New York Theater. This marks the second stage production starring Liu Xiaoqing to grace New York’s theaters, following her previous work “Glorious Beauty.”
China News Service, New York, March 5 (Reporter Ruan Yulin) – The large-scale legendary historical drama “Empress Wu Zetian,” starring renowned Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing, dazzled audiences in New York on the evening of March 5 local time. This is the second stage production starring Liu Xiaoqing to be staged in New York after “Glorious Beauty.”
The large-scale legendary historical drama “Empress Wu Zetian” was produced by the Tianjin People’s Art Theatre and stars Liu Xiaoqing in the lead role. In the play, Liu Xiaoqing appeared in magnificent costumes and delivered compelling dialogues infused with modern elements, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. According to the introduction, the stage adaptation of “Empress Wu Zetian” primarily focuses on the period from the death of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, to Wu Zetian’s ascension to the throne. It highlights several key historical events, such as Wu Zetian’s “erecting monuments, establishing favorites, and promoting Buddhism.”
Although the historical story of Wu Zetian is widely known, the play has been meticulously revised and differs from previous versions. Before the performance, Liu Xiaoqing told reporters that she had portrayed Wu Zetian three times in television dramas. This marks her fourth time portraying China’s first female emperor, and she hopes that each new work will surpass the classics of the past.
Dai Qi, president of the American Chinese Box Office Cultural Communication Company, the organizer of the North American tour of “Empress Wu Zetian,” stated that Liu Xiaoqing’s portrayal of Wu Zetian in the 1990s television drama caused a sensation. This stage adaptation, with an investment of 20 million RMB, condenses historical materials into a two-hour performance, showcasing Wu Zetian’s grandeur, intelligence, and decisiveness.
Since February of this year, Liu Xiaoqing and the original cast of the Tianjin People’s Art Theatre have embarked on a North American tour with the stage play “Empress Wu Zetian.” The U.S. tour includes cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. New York serves as the final stop of the play’s U.S. tour. (End)
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