潮剧《扫窗会》
广东潮剧院一团
演员：林初发，李莉
Teochew (Chaozhou) Opera "Sao Chuang Hui"
Performed by the No. 1 Troupe of the Guangdong Academy of Chaozhou Opera
Principal actors: Lin Chufa (林初发), Li Li (李莉)
"Sao Chuang Hui" (扫窗会), literally means "Reunion Through Window Sweep"
This play is Teochew/Chaozhou opera in its most traditional form. It is a very demanding piece, henceforth not often performed. The expressive voice, fluid movements and subtle facial expressions, are the essence of traditional Chinese opera, all required in this 70-minute performance.
"Sao Chuang Hui" (扫窗会), literally means "Reunion Through Window Sweep" - It is adapted from the legendary tale of a peasant woman (Wang Jinzhen) who goes in search of her husband who has been forced to wed the daughter of an influential minister, thereby leaving her in the lurch. This woman eventually made her way to the household of the minister, masquerading as a servant, and found an opportunity to meet her husband through a window cleaning task.
*Took many hours to edit the files to ensure audio track matches the images.
**In memory of M, my beloved daughter, who would have been 17-year old today. Always missed.