Remorse, A Chinese Opera

Remorse is adapted from Lu Xun’s 1925 classic novella of the same name, capturing the tragic pursuit of free love between two young lovers through poetic musical language and profound dramatic tension. Set in 1920s Beijing, the story follows Juansheng, an idealistic intellectual, and Zijun, a new woman yearning for freedom. They meet in the spring, and Zijun’s resolute declaration, “I am my own self,” deeply moves Juansheng’s heart. United by love, they bravely defy the constraints of their feudal families, embarking on a life of free union and envisioning a hopeful future. However, after four seasons, their love falls as the winter snow. Zijun sets her goal to pursue freedom outside of this defining mansion, and Juansheng lets out his final catharsis by shouting Zijun’s name.