Shang Yang (1996)

Huaju (spoken drama)

Shang Yang, a newly written historical drama (lishiju), takes its name from the main character, a renowned political reformer of the Warring States period (fourth century BC). Arriving at the state of Qin from the state of Wei, Shang Yang tries to persuade King Xiao to adopt Legalism, leading to heated debates within the court, but ultimately leading to the implementation of reforms despite resistance from conservative elements of the court. When a younger king assumes the throne, he orders Shang Yang arrested for treason.

Shang Yang flees with his mother, but ultimately cannot be saved because of strict penal codes he himself implemented. He is drawn and quartered, but remains an enduring symbol of brave reform in feudal China. The play, written by Yao Yuan and featuring Yin Zhusheng in the role of Shang Yang, was first staged in 1996 by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre and won several national and regional awards. The original staging ran for thirty-five performances and was performed in several subsequent runs. Featured in the Singapore Arts Festival in the summer of 2001, Shang Yang also travelled to Hong Kong in October of the same year.

See also: Huaju

CLAIRE CONCEISON