Shangdang Bangzi Opera Mother and Son of Han Dynasty by Jincheng Shangdang Bangzi Theatre

The Shangdang Bangzi opera Mother and Son of the Han is a newly created historical drama that centres on the emotional conflict between Empress LÜ Zhi and her son LIU Ying. Set during the early Western Han Dynasty—a period marked by the young nation’s growing strength—the production explores the psychological shifts and emotional dilemmas of its characters as they navigate moments of separation, loss, and familial tension. Crafted by acclaimed playwright LI Li and renowned director ZHANG Manjun, the production stars first-class actress CHEN Suqin—recipient of the Wenhua, Plum Blossom, and Magnolia Awards—who delivers a powerful portrayal of LÜ Zhi’s transformation from a kind-hearted woman to a formidable empress dowager. Through a richly historical lens, the production delves into the subtle emotional depths of its characters, using historical events as a framework to explore their inner worlds. It embodies a creative transformation and innovative expression of Chinese culture, offering the audience an artistic feast that blends contemporary aesthetics with profound humanistic insight.