STAGE DANCE

The Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the most famous literary works of China. Xueqing Cao, the author of The Dream of the Red Chamber, spent over ten years writing the book, which includes over 400 characters, and reflects upon the social customs of the time and the descendents of a typical feudal family. The Dream of the Red Chamber is not only a great literary work, but also an important historical piece of research in various fields of Chinese culture - ancient official title systems, philosophy, culture, social customs, even so much as the manufacture of ironware, porcelain, handcrafts, etc.

The storyline is based on the tragedy of love and marriage among the three main characters: Baoyu, Daiyu and Baochai. In Ancient Nanjing, Baoyu (meaning ‘the jade’) one boy was born into the JIA Family in the Rong Palace, with a rare jade in his mouth. He instantly won preference from everyone in the large family, and, with his inborn tenderness and affection, he cared much for the ladies around him, especially for Daiyu. Daiyu deemed Baoyu as her only true love.

Baoyu, objecting to the idea of scholarly honor and official rank, rebelled against his feudal family. He only found comfort in Daiyu who understood him. However, members of his family tricked him into marrying Baochai instead of Daiyu. When Daiyu realized what would take place, she died of depression. Baoyu discovered that he was fooled by his family, and continued his hopeless resistance. In the end, he left his family choosing to become a monk for the rest of his life.