272 Beijing Opera Performers - Gai Suwen - Number 51

Gai Suwen

Beijing Opera - "The Silted River"

Gai Suwen with a blue flowered three-tile face plays a character in the list-opera "The Silted River," adapted from an episode in "Complete Story of the Eastern Expedition." Gai Suwen was a general in the state of Liao. In the list-opera Tang emperor Taizong runs into this Liao general while on a hunting trip. He tries to flee but the hooves of his horse sink into the silt of a nearby river. Gai Suwen catches up with him and demands he signs a document of surrender. Luckily, Xue Rengui arrives and drive the Liao general away/