272 Beijing Opera Performers - Zhou Chu - Number 263

Zhou Chu

Beijing Opera - "Getting Rid of three Disasters"

Zhou Chu with a red broken-flower face is a leading character in the list-opera "Getting Rid of three Disasters." A man of noble descent called Zhou Chu is a local tyrant who is disliked by his fellow citizens (Royal birth). They secretly name Zhou, together with a flood dragon and a fierce white forehead tiger "Three Disasters". One day, people challenge his bravery to kill the other two disasters. Charged with pride, he kills the tiger and then goes straight to the sea for the flood dragon (the trial). After three days, Zhou does not show up, people think that the flood dragon and Zhou kill each other and they thus celebrate for the elimination of the three disasters. However, not long after, Zhou emerges from the sea after killing the flood dragon. When he discovers that people's hatred towards him is so intense, he suddenly realizes his wrongs and decides to live a new life (Good character). He turns to an intellectual, Lu Ji for help who gives him advice (helper/assistant). Afterwards, Zhou turns a new leaf, becomes a dutiful son and loyal official in the government, benefiting all the people.