Synopsis of the New Version of The Jade Hairpin: A Love Story
The Jade Hairpin (Yuzan Ji) is a masterpiece by Chinese playwright Gao Lian during Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), depicting a love story between a scholar and a Taoist priestess, revealing the magic power of good timing and coincidences in relationship. The new version of the traditional play is composed of six scenes of Seeking Shelter at Temple, Flirting in Music, Visiting the Lovesick, Stealing a Poem, Pressing for Departure, and Bidding Farewell.
Scene I: Seeking Shelter at Temple
Pan Bizheng, a dedicated scholar, and Chen Jiaolian, a daughter of a prestigious official family, had been engaged before they were born at the will of their parents. After they grew up, a war broke out; the girl was separated from her mother and managed to settle down at a nunnery with a new name of Miaochang. Pan failed in the civil examination and, being afraid to tell the truth to his parents, went to his aunt for help, who happened to be the head of the temple where Miaochang stayed.
Scene II: Flirting in Music
On a bright moonlit night, Pan heard to his great surprise the beautiful sound of music from the backyard and thus met the pretty and talented nun. It turned out to be a love at first sight but the two were clueless and tried to figure out what's in the mind of the other with the help of music.
Scene III: Visiting the Lovesick
The young man didn't get the real thoughts of the beauty and fell ill due to depression. His aunt visited him, bringing Miaochang along with her. The two were happy to see each other once again and managed to communicate love in front of the head nun. At the good news, Pan recovered quickly.
Scene IV: Stealing a Poem
The young lady fell in love with the scholar and composed a love poem dedicated to him before falling asleep by the desk. Pan took a walk and sneaked into the lady's chamber. He was thrilled at reading the poem and couldn't help stealing it from under the sleeping beauty. Waking up with a start at the sight of the dream man, Miaochang pretended to be angry but soon gave up the disguise. The two shared the sweet moment together and made the vow of love to each other.
Scene V: Pressing for Departure
The head nun found out about their little secret and insisted that her nephew should leave immediately for the next examination. Being reluctant to part with his love, Pan was sent to the dock under the escort of his aunt to the unawareness of his love.
Scene VI: Bidding Farewell
At hearing the news of Pan's departure, Miaochang was so anxious that she hired a boat to catch up with her love in the river. After many hugs, tears, and vows, the two finally parted with great sorrow.
Like many other plays in China, there's a happy ending to this one too. The scholar became an official by passing the imperial examination and the nun became his bride. The two went back home just to find out that they had been engaged a long time ago. Then they lived together happily ever after.
February 20,2009
