EVENT DESCRIPTION
Li Tianbao Gets Married is an enduring classic of Henan Yuediao comedy that delivers a light-hearted and witty story. Zhang Zhongshi, a wealthy man who falsely claims his daughter has died to escape an arranged marriage with the impoverished Li Tianbao. When Li arrives to mourn her supposed passing, an unexpected series of comedic mishaps ensues. Shen Xiaomei and her disciple Zhao Yanlin bring Li Tianbao to life on stage with their exquisite vocal artistry, perfectly capturing the character of a passionate lover. Liu Zhiyou, playing the comedic role of Zhang Zhongshi, uses exaggerated and humorous movements along with a constant stream of witty dialogue to vividly portray the greedy and selfish image of a rich man. The absurd yet fantastical plot twists in the play mirror the myriad facets of human life.
Originally established as the Henan Yue Opera Troupe in 1949, the Henan Provincial Yue Diao Art Protection and Inheritance Center is recognised as one of the Protection Works Units among the first batch of Intangible Cultural Heritage at National Level. Under the guidance of the late master of Yuediao opera, Shen Fengmei, the troupe has garnered national recognition, particularly for its distinguished interpretations of works from the Three Kingdoms repertoire. The Center carries the vital mission of safeguarding and perpetuating Yuediao opera’s intangible heritage through traditional and contemporary performances.
