A Missing Scene from Floral Princess: An Untold Suicide of the Last Ming Emperor
Kitty Yeung
Hong Kong / Col / 25'24"/ In Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles
This experimental short film, blending Cantonese Opera and modern dance elements, re-enacts the episode from classic Cantonese Opera Floral Princess. The last Ming emperor Chongzhen and his faithful eunuch Wang Sing-yan are on a journey to the summit of Coal Hill to end their lives. Apart from inviting new perspectives towards their ambiguous queer overtones, it also explores the crossroads of life and death, authority and obedience, love and sacrifice, power and duty, that befall under the traditional patriarchy.
Artist's Statement
The aesthetics of Cantonese opera have always fascinated me. Floral Princess captivated me with its portrayal of Princess Changping challenging traditional gender roles in her pursuit of love. Collaborating with Cantonese Opera artist Jason Kong, I discovered the omission of Emperor Chongzhen's suicide scene, leaving unanswered questions. This sparked a desire to explore alternative narratives within the traditional Chinese framework, particularly the non-heterosexual emperoreunuch relationship. By filling these unexplored territories, I aim to offer new perspectives on the unexplored territories.
Juror's Comment
By blending dance and Xiqu, the story of Chongzhen and his eunuch's double suicide is re-enacted on the hills of Hong Kong. The most ingenious arrangement is to include the crew under the camera, with dancing artist Ix Wong telling the story of his late partner in the name of the profound love of this same-sex couple. The last journey in the era of turbulence is depicted with a contemporary angle. (Chan Chi Wa Ernest)
