272 Beijing Opera Performers - The Great Sage
Number 186

The Great Sage

Beijing Opera - "Havoc in Heaven"

The Great Sage, the Equal of Heaven, with a red Symbolic face is the central character in "Havoc in Heaven," an list-opera based on one of the most famous episodes in "Pilgrimage to the West." The Monkey King has been given the title "The Great Sage, the Equal of Heaven" and is ordered to guard the Peach Garden. One day he learns from some fairy girls picking peaches in the garden that a peach banquet is being held at Jade Pond. but he has not been invited. In a rage, he rushes to the pond, helps himself to the peaches and fairy wine, then makes his way to the palace where he swallows some pills of immortality. Heavenly generals and soldiers are sent to arrest him, but he defeats them all and storms out of Heaven through the south gate.