183 Beijing Operas - Mao Ben - Number 59

Mao Ben

Beijing Opera - "Five-Thunder Formation"

Mao Ben with a gray broken-flower face in Five-Thunder Formation, adapted from Days of Swords and Dagger, a historical novel. The opera takes place in the last years of the Warring States period. Wang Jian, a general of Qin, hires a sorcerer called Mao Ben to help him invade the state of Qi. This sorcerer with his magic powers conjures a formidable battle formation known as the Five-Thunder Formation.