"The Tale of the White Snake" (白蛇传) 1/2 [English Subtitles]

Scrub to 3:50 to skip the intro.
My amateur translation; original video from operabeijing.com. I feel obligated to say that, as usual, there's a lot that doesn't carry over into English. Feel free to leave translation corrections/suggestions in the comments.
'The Tale of the White Snake' (白蛇传) is one of China's oldest and most famous legends; you can find more info about it online if you're interested (see: Wikipedia, www.aaronshep.com/extras/White.... This video is of Han Tian's (1898-1968) jingju adaptation of the tale.
The play has been slightly abridged in this production, probably because the original is very long, most Chinese audiences already know this story very well, and because of artistic license. If you're unfamiliar with this tale and notice anything abrupt or unexplained, it may be because some detail has been left out. The full script can be found at: scripts.xikao.com/play/06000050
An important theme in this play is the Buddhist-influenced idea of "yuanfen" (缘分), which refers to the forces of destiny that bring people together. If you have a loved one, friend, or enemy, how did it come to be that you two met, that you happened to be in the same place at the same time, that your trajectories -- subject to life, death, immigration, public transport schedules, school district boundaries, your parents' life and work choices, etc. -- happened to intersect? Perhaps it has something to do with yuanfen.
Random notes
-The "Bai" in Bai Suzhen means "White." The "Qing" in Xiao Qing refers to a bluish color; in some translations, the sisters are called "White Snake" and "Blue Snake".
- Many of the places in this story, like West Lake (西湖) and Broken Bridge (断桥), really exist. No one really knows why it's called Broken Bridge.
-"Ten lifetimes might pass...": a famous proverb. "Lifetimes" as in rebirths.
-Mount Emei: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Emei
-Pan An: Another name for the Luoyang poet Pan Yue (潘岳, 247-300), one of the "Four Great Beautiful Men" of ancient China. It's said he was so handsome that women would throw fruit into his carriage whenever he went out.
-"to sweep a tomb": A ritual undertaken during the Qingming Festival in early April.
-Lady West: Xizi (西子), one of the "Four Great Beautiful Women." It was the poet Su Shi (1037-1101) who originally compared West Lake to Xizi.
-"Gaze through autumn waters": an idiom; i.e. to expectantly wait for someone with tears in your eyes.
-Qing and Bai are sisters, but Qing also behaves and speaks like a servant. I'm not sure I totally understand their relationship.
-"As the poem goes": from the poem "琵琶行" by Bai Juyi (772--846)
-Double lotus blossoms: Two lotuses on a single stalk were seen as a metaphor for a devoted couple.
-Mandarin ducks: Birds thought to mate for life. "Having nothing to envy of the immortals" can mean not fearing death because you have found happiness, and comes from Lu Zhaolin's (637-689) poem "川长安古意"
-Lady Huatuo: Huatuo was a pseudo-legendary physician, thought to have invented anesthesia.
-Duanyang, xionghuang: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duanwu
-"With pujian and jiaoshu...": Pujian are sword-shaped bunches of herbs, jiaoshu, triangular bundles of rice; both appear during Duanwu.
-Elixir of Nine Turns: Alchemical term. According to Anthony Yu, "'turn'... refers to the process of cyclical chemical or physical manipulations of the elixir ingredients; hence the greater the number of turns, the more powerful the elixir." An elixir of nine turns would grant immortality in three days.
-"Red gauze curtains": Not sure why they didn't use red curtains in this production...
-Mountain of the Immortals: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pe...
-Tongxin grass, xiangsi sapling: I think tongxin is some kind of clover, while xiangsi is an acacia. "Tongxin" literally means "same heart" while "xiangsi" refers to lovesickness.
-Dujuan bird: associated with sadness and regret in a legend. In English, a cuckoo.
-Lingzhi: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingzhi_...
-"Three spirits...": en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hun_and_po
-"This disciple": a way of addressing oneself before a monk; Xu Xian is not actually a disciple at first.
-"Leaving the home": One who had become a Buddhist monk was said to have "Left the home/family"
-Bodhi: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhi
-Dharma power: supernatural, Buddhist-derived power
-Wind and Fire Prayer Mat: A supernatural weapon mentioned in the 16c. novel '封神演义'. It does not appear in the original 'White Snake" script and I have no idea what kind of weapon it is. The two painted-face characters that appear after Fahai invokes this mat are listed as "Fire General" and "Wind God".
-Avidya: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avidy%C4...
-I'm not certain why Bai and Qing sing the duet that they do; it's clearly sung from Bai's perspective alone.
-King Yama: A Buddhist entity who judges the dead.

[@Hugo-mh1pe]

Genuinely gasped when she Bai came out in her new outfit, the storytelling aspect of that felt incredibly strong. That duet with the sisters is also just incredible, love everything about this.

[@mp-wp8df]

The relationship between 白素质 (Bai Suzhen) and 青儿 (Xiaoqing or Qing'er) is one of kindred spirits, younger and older. Bai cultivated virtue for over one thousand years, whereas Xiaoqing only half as long. So they are more than "good friends" in the usual sense, but not related as sisters. In most versions, after being trapped in Thunder Peak (Leifang) Pagoda, Bai continues her studies, eventually achieving a level of Taoist immortality. Her devoted husband attains a degree Buddhist enlightenment, and the son becomes a Confucian scholar. The 19th C. Suzhou tanci performer, Ma Rufei, offered the following plot summation: The filial son Mengjiao so found his father and mother. They disclosed the immortal design, then ascended the hills. With the Three Teachings accomplished, all hatred was gone. BTW--thanks for taking the time to translate these.

[@Starwithnonname]

This opera is being performed in a few weeks by the Beijing Opera company, and as I am learning Mandarin, I am not missing the opportunity to see Chinese Opera at its best. I have been reading up on the this type of opera and although it is quite different to Western Opera (which I like selected pieces very much) having the English subtitles makes a huge difference. No doubt some subtitles have been lost in translation, but it is almost impossible to avoid this. I think you have done a fantastic job with the subtitles. I am learning to appreciate all aspects of this form of performance. Much thanks for your efforts.

[@zeynabuthman639]

I came into this expecting not to like it....but once you get past the whole western expectations thing this was such an engrossing story. Not just that, but by the end I was really appreciative of the music itself as well. Definitely watching more Chinese opera in the future!

[@johnnie543]

CAST Bai Suzhen.....Zhang Huoding Xu Xian...........Song Xiao Xiaoqing.........Xu Chang Fahai...............Chen Zhenzhi The Boatman..Kou Chunhua

[@katiekawaii]

Wow, translating this must have taken an insane amount of work. Thank you for doing it!

[@rana_paprika]

wha... how actors melt in roles... I loved the performance and of course the orchestra was amazing. Such a precise synchronization, fight scenes, love scenes just beautiful and true spirit of the opera.

[@bredmond812]

thanks for the translations and for leaving the chinese subtitles visible.

[@gregmcbeth2617]

:)

[@wires8684]

The amount of times I've had to rewatch parts because they're movements are so captivating

[@WhatsAMeadow4]

This was so enjoyable! Thank you so so much for doing this. This is the first full Opera I've seen and I thoroughly enjoyed it, your translation, and your extra notes in the description. I appreciate the work you did so much, thank you!!

[@laurenceb355]

Thankyou for posting this performance with subtitles - much appreciated! I just love Beijing Opera!

[@user-ez2fg7oy6q]

Wow, I am an Indian, and I feel that Chinese opera is a fantastic piece of art.

[@roadrunneruntd]

I was looking for this a few months ago and it just pops up in my recommendations today . How fortuitous !

[@gnehzeey]

very outstanding rendering of the English subtitle! beautiful, accurate and poetic. thank you!

[@mommymccanlies688]

This is my favorite opera- and this is such a lovely rendition and these are such lovely translations! I always watch this when I get homesick or nostalgic

[@EVZYL]

谢谢. This is delightful and so enjoyable with the translations. Thank you so much! From Patagonia, Chile.

[@henlokitty3358]

50:30 shit just got real

[@DoliseeHeartsEast]

I enjoyed the duet between the two "sisters" at the end. It was sooo beautiful!

[@danielalarcondiaz7125]

Truly excelent translation, even if you say it's simply amateur. Thank you very much. It's a pity that not people enough will take advantage of your effort.

[@77frontier]

Thank you for the english subtitles.I love Chinese Opera.Appreciate this👍👍👍👍

[@_korinsu180]

Thank you for the translation and your notes, they were very helpful!

[@alynn5066]

Really enjoy the translation. Thank you.

[@rafaelgonzalez6172]

I love! Thank you very much for uploading this wonder!

[@anahaddad7747]

Thank you very much! I'm so happy that I can see, and understand! Beautiful!

[@intercat4907]

Thank you so much for this. I have come here from a short clip in my World Music class, and this sort of opportunity is the great promise of the Internet.

[@coenobita]

The back flipping game in that final battle is just insane 👀

[@charlottephan2565]

thank you for the English subtitle, I appresiate it.

[@jensg367]

Well done. Thank you for the upload!

[@nedgeyser6759]

Many thanks for your hard work!

[@infernowolf1850]

So elegant and amusing at the same time

[@saruchiegirl]

*cries tears of joy* I love this I am such a big fan of this

[@loneywood3883]

Thank you for translating !

[@user-qt9vn1yj8x]

One of my most favorite stories!

[@mitchellbanh.8221]

wow amo esto, gracias por los sub en ingles. desde que vi Winter Begonia estoy fascinado por la opera de Pekín y busco muchas obras, descubrí un mundo maravilloso

[@corc1130]

Thank you for your translation!

[@MrTwcdave]

Marvellous this serious transition

[@crabapple.]

The fighting scene is so fascinating :O

[@crabapple.]

1:21:40 ← timestamp

[@Dustooned]

Wonderful!

[@francescoaliata6344]

I saw them in Cesena Jan 5th and they are wonderful!!!

[@yasamanhesami7587]

is there any sources where I can find more about the actors and actresses and their name ? it would be really useful for me.

[@Electrasound]

Hello. Thank you for the subtitles! Previously, I have only seen western classical operas like from Wagner, Verdi, Puccini, etc. This video is actually my first exposure to Chinese opera. When was the music written to this opera and who wrote it? Do you know the names of any Chinese opera composers?

[@gnehzeey]

Electrasound, this story and drama are hundreds of years old. There are many versions, but basically the same. The White Snake Fairy (Bai Suzhen) fell in love with a poor schola r( Xu Xian) on a return trip from visiting his mother's tomb. It was raining hard and he spotted these two ladies (the White Snake Fairy and her friend the Green Snake Fairy, Xiao Qing), without umbrella, standing under a willow tree to shelter from the downpour. Xu Xian offered his umbrella to the ladies. Turned out the girls are also waiting for the ferry boat to cross to other side of the lake. Since there is only one boat that came, Xu let the boatman take the ladies to their hometown first and take him home. The White Snake Lady was very touched by the kindness and courteousness of Xu Xian. The two felt deeply attracted to each other. The umbrella served as the reason for Xu Xian to pay a visit to the girls' abode. Xu and the Fairy ended up marrying each other and lived happily together ever after. However, a meddlesome evil monk schemed to separate the two and destroy the marriage and stirred up great havoc...... There is quite a bit information online regarding the drama and music if you google. Best wishes. YDZ

[@user-oy8rx5fp5g]

Hello, thank you for your love of Chinese Peking Opera. The Peking Opera version of the legend of the White Snake was adapted by Tian Han, a composer of the last century. This story has lasted for hundreds of years. In 1950, Tian Han adapted the traditional mythical play "the legend of white snake" into 25 Peking Opera "the tale of the golden bowl"; in 1953, he revised the script again to restore the original play name "the legend of white snake", highlighting the theme against feudalism, developing the mythical color of the story, and singing smoothly and gracefully.

[@Redneckreindeer]

This is a banger

[@CanRockerguit]

thanks! Is there a way to know the name of the music composer?

[@nevits14]

does anyone know what the instruments are that they use in this?

[@PurplexityGold]

What I was looking for, perhaps is.

[@mbdmbdmbd]

I love the boatman's song at 18:20 :)

[@noria.a4098]

Necesito ver a Zhang en vivo!!!!

[@sebioloieri]

but why is it calledthe broken bridge ???

[@nicksworldofmysticalwonder8509]

I guess it happened years after the journey to the west as I see tripitaka now very old cwuseci see his hat and robes shining golden and red

[@andrew3221]

The chant after she sings the melody and dances around, is that from the crowd? the orchestra? Its two distinct chants and they sound timed but there is a rhythm to it that make it sound as if its a chant from the crowd.

[@alleonamay5316]

Dahil dito na depressed kami nang mga classmates ko.

[@heavenkhy6505]

feel ko din kami next madedeepress....

[@WhatsAMeadow4]

1:02:30 I GASPED THAT WAS SO COOL

[@shahananizar6991]

What is the date (year) it was performed?

[@aamu3]

Qing is so cute 🥺

[@paohsiiwang5508]

經典傳世之作 名角雲集

[@bubbletea188]

Thank for the subtitles and 59:32 how is she so skinny around her waist.

[@scholarbevi6396]

Clothing illusion. Similar to what Europeans did with corsets. If you style your clothing a certain way, it can look like you have a certain body type

[@QuizmasterLaw]

I wish you had soft subbed this. This version is Beijing opera not Huang Mei opera, right?

[@caacly6124]

yes

[@caacly6124]

yes

[@kaoru1998]

What do you mean by soft subbed? What does it have to do with each type of opera style? Please explain. I’m curious! Thank you.

[@johnnie543]

Oops! Correction: Xu Xian is played by Song Xiaochuan.

[@kmoney4974]

where is this at?

[@SatanenPerkele]

Time to create a playlist of chinese opera for my noisy neighbours to enjoy.

[@silvereagle2061]

EPCOT (China) sent me here.

[@codachara3256]

Xionghuang wine is realgar wine

[@user-sr4hq4uc9q]

rutracker.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1988777there you'll find Russian subtitles that may help

[@codachara3256]

Qing is green.

[@unclealand]

You should have seen Callas in this.

[@zhouyebai_]

小川叔真帅啊😋

[@Dingbobber]

I love the fight music *doingdadoing doing doing tktktktktkktktktktk…… Doing*

[@vophie]

16:16

[@vophie]

51:35

[@elenanoumilelini3930]

❤❤❤

[@tr4nsd0n4ld3]

❤🧡💚👍👍👍

[@LarryYang-zz5xi]

101

[@user-nu4so4uh5h]

怎么赶脚不论身段扮相服装还是唱腔都赶不上《传承中国》里的徐帆好看呢？

[@felixvonharu1757]

那您是顶外行了

[@Annrisu]

Grade 8 moments

[@machinkov8405]

this is why i belive in God

[@seylo515]

是女慾抱龍巴索丹好嗎？，？。 去

[@londonblumberg131]

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YALL THIS IS THE MUST HILARIOUS THING IVE EVER SEEN AND YALL OVER HERE THINKIN ITS LEGIT

[@Jaheartsjonas]

London England it's hundreds of years old, it is legit. Just because you're too simple to understand cultural differences, art and rich culture doesn't mean you have to ruin it for the rest of us

[@tacocatt6808]

London England it... it is legit. You’re the dumb one here, just because when you think of opera you think of the traditional Italian opera, doesn’t mean that that’s what all opera is like. Ever heard of cultural differences? Obviously not, or if so you’re just ignorant.

[@May-hm7ii]

Just because you didn't think this isn't legit, doesn't mean it is for everyone. This tale have been passed for hundred of years, of course it's legit

[@TheLazyEconomist]

This is a real play, though. Really memorable, too.

[@RaidenReviews420]

This is Jewish

[@noctisnovak]

This is so amazing! I wanna watch this person even though i can't understand Chinese