A Must-See Under the Night Sky: "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow"

"The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" Performance: A Timeless Romance of the Tang Dynasty, a Visual Epic Woven with Light and Shadow As night falls and the city lights begin to glow, the shore of the Nine-Dragon Lake at Huaqing Palace in Xi’an is gradually enveloped in a hazy twilight. When the first beam of light pierces the night sky, illuminating the silhouette of Mount Li, the large-scale live historical dance drama "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" unfolds on this land steeped in millennia of stories. Using Mount Li as the backdrop and the lake as the stage, with light and shadow as the brush and song and dance as the ink, it brings to life the legendary love of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei—“wishing to be birds flying wing to wing in the sky, and branches intertwined on earth”—turning it into a soul-stirring audiovisual feast that lets the audience experience the splendor and melancholy of the flourishing Tang Dynasty through a blend of reality and illusion. The performance opens with a grand depiction of the Tang Dynasty’s prosperity. As melodious music begins, hundreds of dancers dressed in magnificent Tang costumes gracefully arrive, their sleeves fluttering, recreating the luxury and romance of “bathing in the spring chill at Huaqing Pool, the warm spring water smooth as cream.” Amid shifting lights, the mist rises from Huaqing Pool, blending with the dancers’ movements, as if transporting the audience back to the Kaiyuan era, a time of endless music and dance. The first meeting of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei unfolds slowly amid dazzling light and gentle dance, their tender glances perfectly capturing the stunning beauty described as “a single glance and a smile bewitch a hundred charms, making all the palace beauties pale in comparison.” The middle section elevates the intensity of their love and the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty to a climax. In the chapter of the “Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Coat Dance,” Yang Guifei, dressed in a splendid feathered costume, dances gracefully under the moonlight, her movements light and enchanting like a fairy descending to earth. On stage, the light and shadow shift unpredictably, sometimes transforming into a starry sky, sometimes into a dazzling sea of flowers, perfectly matching the dancers’ motions and creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Meanwhile, the solemn palace guards and the jubilant common folk intertwine, fully showcasing the Tang Dynasty’s peace and cultural prosperity. The deep affection between Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei within this setting makes their love even more moving against the backdrop of a flourishing era. However, beauty is always fleeting. The iron hooves of the An Lushan Rebellion shatter the tranquility of the Tang Dynasty, and the atmosphere of the performance turns sharply somber. Rapid drumbeats, dim lighting, and soldiers’ shouts vividly portray the tragic and heroic scene of “beneath Mawei Slope, buried in the mud, the jade-like face is no longer seen.” At the moment of Yang Guifei’s demise, the lights suddenly dim, the music sobs, and Emperor Xuanzong’s overwhelming grief and helplessness deeply move the audience. This part of the story is not only a tragedy of love but also reflects the vicissitudes of the dynasty’s rise and fall, adding profound depth to "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow." In the finale, the scene of “on the seventh day of the seventh month at the Palace of Eternal Life, when no one is awake at midnight” is recreated through light and shadow. Emperor Xuanzong, lost in endless longing, dreams of reuniting with Yang Guifei in a fairyland. They hold hands and gaze at each other, expressing a love that transcends life and death. At this moment, the outline of Mount Li becomes clearer under the lights, and the lake ripples with shimmering waves, as if silently blessing this timeless romance. The performance concludes with the heartfelt chant, “Heaven and earth may have an end, but this sorrow will last forever,” the lingering melody leaving the audience immersed in this story where love and history intertwine, unable to let go. What makes "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" unique is its perfect fusion of natural scenery and cultural storytelling. The majestic peaks of Mount Li and the flowing waters of Huaqing Pool serve as natural sets, enhanced by advanced lighting technology, exquisite choreography, and grand musical accompaniment, making every scene deeply moving. The actors’ performances are delicate and vivid, whether it is Emperor Xuanzong’s deep affection and helplessness or Yang Guifei’s softness and sorrow, all portrayed with profound depth, making the audience feel as if they are witnessing history firsthand, experiencing the joys and sorrows of this millennia-old love story. This performance is not only a feast for the eyes and ears but also a dialogue with history and a resonance with love. It brings the timeless classic "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" off the page and into vivid scenes, touching melodies, and heartfelt acting. When the show ends and the lights come on, Mount Li remains quietly resting, the lake continues to flow, but the love story that spans a thousand years has already been deeply imprinted in the hearts of every audience member, becoming an unforgettable cultural memory.