琵琶記

A dramatic work, likely a play or opera, written in the late 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty in China. This traditional Chinese drama revolves around themes of love, duty, and familial obligations, with its narrative likely centering on the experiences of the main protagonist, Cai Bojie, as he navigates the complexities of his relationships with his wife Zhao and his aging parents. The opening of ''琵琶記'' introduces the audience to a series of melancholic reflections on love and duty, as Cai Bojie faces the pressure of responding to a government summons for a significant examination. The narrative establishes the conflict between his commitment to his newlywed wife, Zhao, and his filial obligation to care for his elderly parents. As the scenes unfold, we see the tension of his imminent separation from his family juxtaposed against his aspirations for success, setting the stage for the exploration of themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and social expectation that will develop throughout the drama.