Set against the backdrop of Qianlong’s twilight years, the story explores the pivotal turning point in the late 18th century when the Qing Empire began its decline. At its heart lies the subtle game of power and trust between Emperor Qianlong and his cunning minister Heshen—a relationship that mirrors the fate of the empire itself and reveals the profound contradictions of human nature. Interwoven into the narrative is Dream of the Red Chamber, one of China’s four great classical novels, completed during Qianlong’s reign. Through the eyes of two of its women—Wang Xifeng and Qin Keqing—the production reflects the tragic arc of a family in decline, paralleling the rise and fall of Qianlong’s court.

Artistic Director WANG An-chi and playwright LIN Chien-hua have meticulously crafted a work where Qing dynasty history and the imagined world of Dream of the Red Chamber enter into conversation. Within the narrative, the ‘curio boxes’ becomes a symbol of human desire, portraying the intimate complicity between ruler and subject, while the crumbling dream of the great aristocratic clans serves as a haunting metaphor for the empire’s fading grandeur.

Led by renowned Peking opera artists TANG Wen-hua and WEN Yu-hang, and directed by TAI Chun-fang, the production offers a sensory feast that weaves together tradition and modernity. GuoGuang Opera Company infuses Peking opera and Kunqu aesthetics with a “future perspective,” driving the contemporary rebirth and profound reinterpretation of traditional art.

Producer and Company Director / CHANG Yu-hua
CHANG holds a Ph.D. in Chinese Opera Studies from the Graduate Institute of Chinese Literature at National Central University. Since taking up the position of Director of GuoGuang Opera Company in 2015, CHANG has focused on preserving the Peking Opera and Kunqu heritage while actively shaping a distinct Taiwanese aesthetic. She is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of artists and, through continually renewing production and audience engagement strategies, has worked to attract diverse audiences into the theater.

Artistic Director / WANG An-chi
Recipient of the 9th National Award for Arts, WANG holds a Ph.D. in Literature from National Taiwan University, where she served as Chair Professor and is now Honorary Professor. Her academic achievements have been recognized with honors such as the National Science and Technology Council Outstanding Research Award and the NTU Fu Ssu-Nien (formerly Hu Shih) Memorial Chair Professorship. WANG has served as Artistic Director of GuoGuang Opera Company since 2002.

Director / TAI Chun-fang
Director at GuoGuang Opera Company. TAI joined the company in May 2017 and has directed productions including Heaven and Earth: Li Yu the Poet Emperor, Phaedra, Dreaming of the Red Chamber—Qianlong and Heshen, Fox Tale, PHAEDRA/PHAEDRA – A DREAM OF PASSION, and A Tale of Royal Redemption. Her works have been multiple-time finalists for the Taishin Arts Award and the Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music, with Peach Blossom Rain receiving the Taishin Arts Award Jury Special Award.

Playwright / LIN Chien-hua
LIN holds a Master of Arts degree in Drama with a major in creative writing from the National Institute of the Arts (present-day Taipei National University of the Arts) and currently serves as an Assistant Researcher at GuoGuang Opera Company. LIN is the recipient of the Ministry of Education Literary Creation Award, the Hakka Affairs Council Award for Hakka Traditional Opera Scriptwriting, and the 59th Chinese Literary Award in Theatrical Playwriting for Traditional Opera.

GuoGuang Opera Company
Founded in 1995, GuoGuang Opera Company is dedicated to preserving traditional Jingju and promoting arts education. By exploring new themes and expanding performance opportunities, GuoGuang presents high-quality productions of traditional Peking opera (known asJingJu to diverse audiences. The company has performed internationally, earning admiration for its artistry. Committed to thriving management, GuoGuang blends tradition with innovation, anticipating a bright future for traditional art in Taiwan.