The Cosmic Blade · SR100057
Feigning Madness in the Golden Hall
Zhao Yanrong tears her clothes and spoils her make-up to feign madness
Mural guide
On a stage by a Han River wharf an old male role stands still, stroking his long beard, wooden boats are moored below, a musician at the side plays the huqin fiddle, and in the foreground a grey heron stands in the reeds on the bank.
Displeased with her father Zhao Gao's scheme, Zhao Yanrong, prompted by her mute servant, tears her clothes and spoils her make-up to feign madness, and in the Golden Hall refuses to enter the palace. The scene is a signature piece of the Chen school of Han opera and is still staged by the Wuhan Han Opera Theatre.