Mythical tales in the spotlight

4. The Painted Skin

An original creation by Hao Weiya and directed by Yi Liming, this opera is based on a ghost story by Pu Songling that was written in the 17th century. The production highlights the poetic nature of Chinese culture and how it is filled with dramatic conflicts and tension. This subversive interpretation probes into human and animal nature, instincts and the dilemmas faced by human beings. The show was presented on Oct 23 at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center.