Garden drama revisits Qing reform era

The year 1898 was one of turbulence. The country was beset by bureaucratic inefficiency, corruption, and mounting pressure from Western powers.

Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) threw his support behind Kang Youwei and other reform-minded officials to launch what became known as the Hundred Days' Reform. The ambitious movement, however, lasted barely three months before collapsing under fierce opposition from conservative forces led by Empress Dowager Cixi.

This pivotal chapter in modern Chinese history has been depicted in many artistic works. Yet, the upcoming stage play Cui Jin Yuan (Garden of Assembled Splendors) revisits the reform from a fresh perspective.

Set in the titular garden inside the residence of Aisin-Gioro Yixin — better known as Prince Gong, who wielded significant political influence — the play explores the complex and often fraught relationships among Prince Gong, Emperor Guangxu, and Empress Dowager Cixi.

At a promotional event on Friday, scriptwriter Yu Yue said he sought to ensure that every conversation and confrontation unfolding in the garden would move beyond historical reenactment, revealing deeper layers of human nature. In the play, these powerful characters emerge not as static figures from textbooks, but as flesh-and-blood individuals shaped by personal dilemmas and emotional conflicts.

Zhang Lifeng, the executive producer, said she was moved upon first reading the script, noting that the play allows the historical choices made more than a century ago to resonate with the hearts of ordinary people today.

The drama will be staged at Beijing's Poly Theater from March 20 to 22.