Malaysian artist Zhong Jiexi was accidentally injured during her recent stage performance of "Huayi Liufang: Dream of Xishi in Mist and Rain." After finishing her 8th show on Tuesday night, she accepted a media interview, revealing that during the performance, her right toe was stepped on by a tall and sturdy co-actor. Despite the pain, she persevered and completed the entire performance.
She said that after the performance, she noticed her toe was swollen and quickly sought medical treatment. Besides the toe injury, she also revealed that she had already hurt her knee during rehearsals, and even after more than a month, it still hasn't fully healed. She smiled wryly and said, "Luckily my bone isn’t broken!" As "Dream of Xishi in Mist and Rain" involves many martial arts and fight scenes, Zhong Jiexi admits that collisions and injuries are inevitable during rehearsals and performances. "You can’t hold back in live performances; otherwise, it won’t feel real or immersive."
"Huayi Liufang: Dream of Xishi in Mist and Rain" is Zhong Jiexi’s latest stage creation, blending martial arts, Peking opera, Sichuan opera face-changing, spoken drama, recitation, dance, and singing, fully presenting the ancient Chinese classic character “Xishi” on stage and showcasing Eastern classical aesthetics in every aspect, from costumes and bearing to temperament. The two-hour performance is jointly presented by Xingyinfu Theatre Company, Guo Jutang Theatre Company, and Tianjian Martial Arts Center, with all net proceeds donated to the Cancer Fund.
Zhong Jiexi revealed that the full version of "Dream of Xishi in Mist and Rain" is expected to officially debut in September and will be presented as a trilogy. To complement the stage show, she specially composed the theme song "Night Like Frost" and will also release two more soundtrack songs, all to be performed live in advance at the stage show.
On another note, Zhong Jiexi also announced a new plan: to rename the current Xingyinfu Theatre (SPAC) to “Yan Yu Lou Performing Arts Center.” She hopes to build it as a unique landmark that combines Chinese cultural characteristics with tourism appeal, attracting international visitors to check in and experience the richness of Chinese arts and culture up close. #