Shanghai Daily news

An original piece of chamber opera, ``The Wager,'' based on a novelette by Chinese writer Gao Xiaosheng, will be staged in Shanghai for only the second time next Monday.
Simple but witty in storyline and avant-garde in nature, the opera is a bold and enlightening trial featuring atonal composition and seasoned by ancient Chinese musical instruments, Peking Opera singing techniques and French rap elements. The opera was first staged in Shanghai last September shortly after its debut in Festival Amadeus in Geneva, Switzerland where it received critical acclaim.
Ancient Chinese musical instruments such as the guzheng (Chinese zither), pipa (lute) and xiao (vertical bamboo flute) are featured in solos during the interlude. The rhythms and energy of the music are particularly strong and establish a feeling of tension.
The story revolves around a beggar who goes from rags to riches by winning a bet with a wealthy lord -- the beggar succeeds by surviving freezing weather conditions outdoors in northern China for one night. Two years later, the lord sets a second bet with the same scenario. The now wealthy beggar, encouraged by his greedy wife, accepts the challenge but the cold kills him.
Switzerland-based Chinese musician, Wen Deqing, wrote the script and composed the music. With a new perspective on the work offered by Chen Xinyi, award-winning director of traditional operas, ``The Wager'' has a young but brilliant cast from the Shanghai Opera House.
Li Ruiding, the costume designer for the work, says each character in ``The Wager'' will have an eye-catching design, an important hint about their personality and fortune.

Date: October 25, 7:15pm
Venue: 100-380 yuan
Tickets: Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 People's Ave
Tel: 6272-0455, 6272-0702