To celebrate the inauguration of the new President and Vice President of the Republic of China, several Chinese opera singers and some prominent former singers who came out of retirement, put on a special festival of Chinese opera in Taipei from May 20 to 29. One of the pieces in particular attracted the public's attention because it marked the return to active singing of the near legendary Ku Cheng-chiu, who played a leading role in the famous "Solinglang" opera in the festival. The title refers to a type of woman's purse embroidered with a Chilin (a type of fabulous animal resembling a deer which is supposed to bring good luck). As in most Chinese operas, the theme is based on the idea that the virtuous will be rewarded. The plot concerns a rich woman Hsueh Hsiang-ling, played by Ku (far left and center) and a poor woman Chao Shou-jen (right) and how their fortunes are reversed after marriage.
On her wedding day (pictures left), Hsueh Hsiang-ling's mother gives her a Solinglang with the Chilin embroidered on the outside and valuable jewels inside as part of her dowry. As she journeys to her new husband's home, she encounters a rainstorm, and is forced to take refuge in a pavilion. While waiting for the rain to stop, she makes the acquaintance of the poor girl, Chao Shou-jen, who is also on her way to be married. Chao is weeping because her dowry is so small, and Hsueh is moved to give her the Solinglang, without even leaving her name. Six years later, Hsueh is separated from her family by floods and is forced to work as nurse (pictures right) for Chao who has become rich since the time the two women met in the pavilion. Chao ascribes her good fortune to the Solinglang which she pays homage to every day, and its discovery by Hsueh as she is working leads to mutual recognition. In gratitude, Chao not only gives Hsueh half her fortune, but also helps her to find her family. Critics and audience who saw Ku's performance in the part agreed that she has lost none of her brilliance over the years. Her strong but rich voice, subtle facial expressions and lithe body movements made it difficult to believe that Ku is now a married woman aged over 50. Ku's successful performance is partly due to the preparation she made for the "Solinglang" opera.
