Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District｜Po Chue Legend

Description

The story of The Legend of the Magical Pearl takes place at the northeast exit of the fishing village of Tai O. There is a small hill on a shoal, with tall trees that resemble a green pearl floating on the water, hence the name 'Pearl Pool'.

It is said that the pearl contains magical powers that bring vitality to all things. Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, sent the most powerful phoenix fairy from heaven, along with a red eagle, to guard the pearl until a guardian deity of the fishing village emerged. At the same time, the ambitious and greedy Golden Lion and Red Tiger fought to seize the pearl for themselves.

One day, while tribute salt was being transported to the imperial court, it was robbed by pirates. General Liang Zhensheng bravely pursued them, but his warship was sunk after reaching the shore of the Pearl Pool. Seeing the urgency of the situation, the Phoenix Fairy dived into the water and saved Zhensheng, bringing him back to the shore. After Zhensheng woke up, he was deeply captivated by his beautiful savior. Having guarded the pearl for a thousand years without experiencing love, the Phoenix eventually fell in love with Zhensheng, and the two broke through the boundaries of the mortal and immortal realms to be together.

According to the rules of the immortal realm, any immortal who develops mortal desires will lose their thousand years of cultivation. The Phoenix, having indulged in mortal love, lost her powers, allowing the Golden Lion and Red Tiger to seize the pearl and engage in a magical battle, bringing disaster to the water village and causing great suffering to its people.

Zhensheng and the Phoenix traveled to the sacred mountain in the east, where the Nine Dragons resided, to seek help from Lord Hou. Lord Hou, having foreseen this disaster befalling the fishing village, used the power of the Nine Dragons to test the couple's determination. At the critical moment, Lord Hou commanded the Nine Dragons to retreat and bestowed magical powers upon the Phoenix couple to overcome the crisis.

The Golden Lion and Red Tiger controlled the river's spirits and evil demons, causing chaos and countless casualties among the villagers. The Phoenix couple struggled to resist them. In the face of imminent danger, Lord Hou took action, preparing a dragon boat. At the hour when the sun set and yin energy prevailed, he performed a ritual, sailing through the waterway to slay the demons, dispel evil, and bring peace to the land. After a night of ritual purification, the villagers were safe, and the Golden Lion and Red Tiger were subdued, never again to bring harm to the world. From that day on, Lord Hou resided in the Pearl Pool, ensuring the safety of the Tai O fishing village for generations to come!

The performance lasts approximately 3 hours, including a 15-minute intermission.