Moon Opera

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Peking Opera, this devastating portrait by Bi Feiyu shows the extent to which a desperate woman will embrace an exalted image of herself in an effort to flee earthly concerns. Translated by Howard Goldblatt.

In a fit of jealousy, Xiao Yanqiu, star of The Moon Opera, disfigures her understudy with boiling water. Spurned by the troupe, she turns to teaching.

Twenty years later The Moon Opera is restaged, under the patronage of a rich local factory boss who insists that Xiao Yanqiu return to the role of Chang'e. So she does, this time believing she is the immortal moon goddess.

'The reader finds himself easily drawn into the very coded universe of Chinese opera, and experiences a medley of feelings, from curiosity to a growing feeling of scorn, compassion and pity for the heroine...A real moment of pleasure.' - Asia News

Bi Feiyu is one of the most respected authors and screenwriters in China today. He was born in 1964 in Xinghua, in the province of Jiangsu, China. He is the recipient of several literary awards, including the Lu Xun Prize. He co-wrote the film Shanghai Triad, which was directed by acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou.

The Moon Opera is translated by Howard Goldblatt.