272 Beijing Opera Performers - Dou Erdun - Number 46

Dou Erdun

Beijing Opera - "Stealing the Imperial Steed"

Dou Erdun with a blue flowered three-tile face is the leading character in "Stealing the Imperial Steed," based on a story in "Magistrate Shi' Casebook." Liang Jiugong, representing Emperor Kangxi, goes hunting outside the Great Wall. He rides an imperial steed that can travel 1,000 li a day. Outlaws of Chain-Bend Stockade hear about this and report to their chief, Dou Erdun. The latter has a grudge against Huang Santai, an officer under Liang Jiugong, and is determined to get even with him. He goes secretly into Liang's camp at night, kills a night watchman, and steals the horse, then leaves behind a poem implicating Huang Santai. As Huang Santai is already dead, the authorities order his son, Huang Tianba, to apprehend the thief. With the help of a friend, Huang Tianba finds out who the real thief is and succeeds in persuading Dou Erdun to return the horse and surrender to the authorities.