A strikingly beautiful work showcasing the magical stage presence of Peking Opera diva Wei Hai-min

One of the 10 best performances at Taiwan's 5th Taishin Arts Awards

The Golden Cangue is among the most widely known works of 20th century Chinese literature star writer Eileen Chang, famed for her scalpel-like observations on human nature.

In this innovative Peking Opera production, the GuoGuang Opera Company of Taiwan not only adapts this work but combines it with another Chang short story, The Rouge of the North. Tailor-made for diva Wei Hai-min, winner of the coveted Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre, the striking dramatisation breaks out of the confines of the printed page to recreate a "character in the round", illuminating the main character Cao Qiqiao's mind through fluid changes of scene and space.

The spectacular features some of Taiwan's most established Peking Opera talents, including Wei and Tang Wen-hua, a leading laosheng (older male role) performer. Artistic director and playwright Wang An-chi, a winner of the Golden Award of Literature and Arts for four consecutive years, the Taiwan Literature and Art Achievement Award, the Golden Tripod Award and the Golden Melody Award, is known for her drive to modernise Peking Opera. GuoGuang director Lee Hsiao-pin has created numerous award-winning productions while stylist Huang Wen-ying, winner of the Best Art Director at the Asia Pacific Film Festival, completes the extravaganza with elaborate costumes and authentic period sets. Billed as the first Peking Opera adaptation of Chang's literary work, this performance is a must-see for fans of Chang and Peking Opera.

Wei Hai-min
A world-famous diva in Peking Opera and winner of many coveted awards, including the Most Outstanding Asian Artists Award, the Shanghai Magnolia Award, four consecutive awards for "Best Actor" in the Golden Awards of Literature and Arts, and two Taiwan Literature and Art Achievement Awards. She became a formal disciple of Mei Baojiu in 1991 to receive training in the Mei stylistic school. Wei has an engagingly elegant persona, a sweet voice and is an insightfully sensitive actress. In 2009, she starred in Robert Wilson's production of Orlando.

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