Review

The Emperor is devastated by the destruction of his land by too many Suns in the sky. His army is unable to control them, and, in desperation, the Emperor offers his kingdom and the hand of his daughter, Jade, in marriage to any man who can conquer these rebellious Sons of the God of the East. Three suitors, including Feng volunteer for the mission. All of them fail.

Meanwhile, the Supreme God has summoned Yi, the Archer God, and asked to discipline the errant Suns. The Suns ignore Yi's warnings Continue to taunt him and create havoc. The Archer loses his temper and shoots the Suns, one after the other.

Just before Yi kills the last Suns, the Emperor intervenes and introduces him to Princess Jade. There is an immediate attraction. Feng- Jade’s secret lover – is distraught. The Princess’s Maid – who loves and worships Feng- comforts him.

Word comes that monsters are ravaging the countryside, and the Emperor orders Feng to kill them. Expecting defeat, Feng refuses. Yi destroys them and is proclaimed a hero.

Jade is now totally besotted by Yi and offers him her comb as a token of love.

Act 2

Celebrations for the marriage of Yi and Jade are shattered by the appearance of the Sureme God. Furious with Yi for killing the Suns, the Supreme God reduces Yi to a mere mortal.

Yi goes in search of the elixir of life which will restore his status as a God, as well as give Jade immortality. In Yi’s absence, Feng hatches a plan to will the Princess back.

Feng persuades jade that Yi will never return and seduces her. But Yi does come back – with the elixir – and surprises Jade. During their reunion, the Maid enters she drugs Yi, steals the elixir and brings it to Feng. Realizing that despite all her efforts Feng will never love her, the Maid commits suicide.

Jade had followed the Maid to Feng’s room. Seeing that he now has the elixir, Jade first demands, then pleads with Feng before he takes her in his arms. Yi stumbles in and sees Jade and Feng embracing and holding the elixir. He knows that he’s been betrayed.

Yi confronts Feng and they fight. Jade discovers the Maid’s body and screams – distracting Yi. Feng, who is mortally wounded, seizes this opportunity to stab and kill Yi.

Jade ignores Feng’s dying pleas, drinks all of the elixir herself and floats out of his reach.

review

The story telling through clear interpretation of passion, jealousy, intrigue and murder of the main protagonists Jade, Yi, Feng and Maid. They brought smootheness to the Act 1 after the battle scene. The company’s dancers competently handled the chorus sections of the villagers, temples girls and soldiers.

I think it is more gripping performances in Act 2. it curious remained me of the pas de deux of Feng persuades Jade that Yi will never return and entice her.

I much enjoyed Faye Leung and Nobuo Fujino as Jade and Feng most – the dance well-shaped, attractive in outline. Faye, the principal of the company, not only is she exquisitely well proportioned of ballet, she has technical surety and purity that were beautiful to witness, and she changed her costumes constantly, sometimes she must changes her costumes as fast as she can.

As Feng, Nobuo Fujino danced quite robustly and he managing superbly those lifts. Hs clean virtuosity was quite impressive, especially in his series of many difficult steps. He handled the role of conspirator with just the right amount of spark and cunning.

Ayako Fujioka’s Maid was compelling dramatically. She was technically dazzling though her phrasing. Quite well as the Archer God-Yi, Han Po, but lacked some emotional depth.

The outstanding features of this production were costumes and scenery came together in very unified way to create a sumptuous setting for the work. The costumes by Virginia chu, especially those worn by the Princess – jade and the priestess were magnificent.

I like this production. Overall the company danced amazing.