Written by He Jiping, Deling and Cixi premiered in 1998 by the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre and has since embarked on a 27-year journey. When it opened at the Studio Theatre in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the production was presented on a three-sided stage for an audience of no more than 400. I was fortunate to be involved in the production at that time, and from the very first reading of the script, I recognised it as an exceptional new work. As anticipated, the premiere captivated the audience. Over the years, the play’s compelling story has inspired numerous adaptations across various artistic forms.
Today's Deling and Cixi remains witty and approachable, just like Deling herself – a talented, gentle, young woman who lived through remarkable experiences abroad before she moved into the court. While it may differ slightly from the version I encountered 27 years ago, this outstanding theatre play has fortunately endured the test of time, continuing to captivate the eye.
Rather than labelling it as a historical tale, it might be more apt to view it as a work that explores feminine identity, power and emotions. He Jiping uses the legendary figures of Empress Dowager Cixi and the young aristocrat Deling to reflect the power struggles within the court during the late Qing Dynasty, as well as women's roles and destinies in history. The play also integrates historical context and the inner worlds of the two women, touching on the politics, culture, and society of that era. The playwright has crafted numerous dialogues between the iconic personalities, unveiling the subtle shifts in their relationships and the struggles between them. These also convey the loneliness and suffering exerted under the rigid court system. While Deling's presence at the palace creates tension, the values and humanistic spirit she embodies offer a glimmer of hope for the waning Qing empire.
The portrayal of Empress Cixi may reveal a more compassionate side than the one that is usually taught in History class. The play beautifully depicts the evolving relationship between the two women as they nurture a trusting intergenerational friendship. Amid a backdrop of conflicting traditional and contemporary ideas, their bond unfolds with grace and genuine sincerity. The depiction of Cixi and her son, Emperor Guangxu, illustrates how their maternal bond is ultimately eclipsed by their competing ambitions for power. In spite of the evident disparities in their strengths, their rivalry still sparks intense conflict. The portrayal of the intimate relationship between Cixi and Ronglu, a military and political advisor at the court, enriches the characterisation of the Empress Dowager, often seen as a formidable and cold manipulator, revealing her instead as a woman longing for love. Shifting to another dramatic duo, the tit-for-tat exchanges between Guangxu and Empress Longyu are far from a typical domestic drama; rather, they portray two individuals suffocated by the system, like drowning victims desperately calling out for help.
By Poon Pik-wan
Theatre practitioner, writer, editor and Master of Arts in Chinese. Formerly served as a full-time actress and manager for Theatre Literature and Project Development at the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre.