An exciting fusion of Western operatic style and Peking Opera elements, Painted Skin – An Opera in Concert is an ambitious adaptation of the classic Chinese short story from Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio by Pu Songling. Presented as an opera in concert, a dramatic narrative unfolds, revealing an inner world of greed, lust and hypocrisy concealed under the glamorous veneers that humans wear.

A Chinese scholar chances upon a beautiful woman crying in the rain while on his way home. He gives her an umbrella out of kindness, unaware that she is actually a demon in disguise, wearing a mask made of human skin painted with beautiful features. Besotted with the scholar, the demon charms him. A romantic relationship ensues but eventually results in tragedy.

A co-commission by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, China Shanghai International Arts Festival, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and produced by Major Performing Arts Group, Painted Skin is an innovative and creative musical interpretation of a classic tale. The production sees the acclaimed Singapore Chinese Orchestra collaborating with a creative team comprising scriptwriter Wang Yuanfei, renowned composer Hao Weiya, pioneering director Yi Liming, under the baton of maestro Tsung Yeh.

Coupled with live multimedia projections and contemporary theatrical elements, mezzo-soprano Dong Fang, soprano Li Jing Jing and Peking Opera actor Liu Zheng, accompanied by an ensemble of leading musicians from Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

The hearts of humans,
Are they crimson, or are they black?

Co-Commissioned by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, China Shanghai International Arts Festival, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and produced by Major Performing Arts Group.

Admission Rules of Esplanade:
Rating/Age Limit

• Admission is subject to tickets produced at the entrance.
• Infants in arms or children below the age of 6 shall not be admitted.
• Children above 6 years must purchase ticket for admission.
  
  

Late Seating Advisory

• You are strongly advised to be seated 15 minutes before the performance start time.
• No admission will be allowed into the venue once the performance has commenced.
• Exceptions may be made at Esplanade's discretion depending on the nature of the performance.
  
  

Photography/Video Recording Rules

• No Photography, Video recording and Audio recording is allowed for this event.
• Please note that photographs and videos of patrons may be taken at this event for use in our archival and publicity material.