Cantonese Opera film examines dynasty intrigue

An ambitious and powerful regent of the last feudal dynasty, Dorgon has once again become the inspiration for artistic works, with his relationship with Bumbutai, a concubine of his deceased brother, being retold in a Cantonese Opera film.

Prince Rui and Concubine Zhuang, the latest outing of director Ma Chongjie, known for his excellence in adapting repertoires into movies, was the focus of a symposium in the Beijing office of the China Film Association on July 11.

This movie marks Ma's third directorial effort in adapting classical Cantonese Opera under the guidance of the Guangzhou authorities. His previous such works were A Wedding on the Execution Ground (2019) and The Legend of Nanyue (2022).

The movie recounts the story of Dorgon, also known as Prince Rui, who, as a potential contender for the throne following the death of Huang Taiji, the founding emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), is persuaded by Bumbutai, also known as Concubine Zhuang, to set aside his personal ambition and assist his 6-year-old nephew, Emperor Shunzhi, in ascending the throne amid a complex and chaotic situation.

The original Cantonese Opera, also titled Prince Rui and Concubine Zhuang, made its debut in 1995, and two years later, artist Ni Huiying, who portrayed Concubine Zhuang, received the prestigious Plum Performance Award, the highest accolade for traditional Chinese theatrical art.

The movie adaptation brings back Ni in her role as the concubine and features opera artist Ou Kaiming in the role of Dorgon.