Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2025: The Imperial Decree

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Imperial Decree premiered in 2023 at the Xiqu Opera Black Box Festival in Beijing, where it was recognised with the Honorary Credential Award. This Cantonese opera explores how individual lives are shaped by predetermination and freewill.

Emperor’s brother Wu, Concubine Wen and Prince Dunhua are summoned to hear the ageing Emperor’s imperial decree. Believing they are soon to learn who will inherit the throne, a state of intrigue and infighting ensues – with each of them revealing their true colours as they battle for the seat of power.

Combining traditional performance techniques, contemporary stage design, lighting and multimedia elements, and a compelling plot full of twists and turns, The Imperial Decree offers a new and innovative Cantonese opera experience.

Regional languages with Chinese and English surtitles.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

The annual Black Box Chinese Opera Festival presents original productions offering new perspectives on a heritage art form. Devised and adapted for the modern stage, each work showcases bold experimentation and a contemporary sensibility through a range of regional genres and styles. This year’s programme features the Xiqu Centre’s three award-winning Cantonese opera productions – Farewell My Concubine (New Adaptation), Wenguang Explores the Valley and The Imperial Decree – along with two acclaimed Kunqu operas, Qingshan Embrace Me by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe and The Burning Painting by the Yangju Opera Institute of Yangzhou and Jiangsu Drama and Literature Creation Institute.