Ben Yue

The one-act chamber opera “Flight to the Moon” is adapted from Lu Xun’s short story of the same name, found in his collection “Old Tales Retold”. “Old Tales Retold” is a collection of eight short stories written by Lu Xun between 1922 and 1935, based on ancient myths and historical legends. The language of these works is leisurely, humorous, and free-spirited, with stories that are sometimes romantic, sometimes absurd, and sometimes solemn. At the same time, the inclusion of numerous modern life details creates a fantastical atmosphere blending the ancient and the contemporary. “Flight to the Moon” is the second story in the collection, transplanting the classic love story of Hou Yi and Chang’e into a modern setting. It tells the tale of a down-and-out hero and his pleasure-seeking wife facing different choices in the harsh realities of life. This opera simplifies the plot from the original work, emphasizing comedic elements and focusing on the creation of two distinctive characters to showcase their conflicting inner worlds.

Premiere: Beijing