The Platform for Conferring Generalship* — 15th Anniversary Cross-Disciplinary Edition of the Original Cantonese Opera

2026 marks the beginning of the 70th-anniversary commemorations for the legendary "YPT" trio—Yam Kim-fai (Y), Pak Suet-sin (P), and Tong Tik-sang (T). Inspired by this iconic legacy, the "Dream-Seeking Series" embarks on a creative, cross-disciplinary exploration of the human spirit, encompassing six distinct projects. The most profound tribute to the YPT legacy is the act of continued creation. This year, the Utopia Cantonese Opera Workshop presents the 15th anniversary—and seventh staging—of its original work, *The Platform for Bestowing Command* (Bai Jiang Tai). In its pursuit of original Cantonese opera, the company draws upon the classics to forge meaningful connections with the contemporary world. This production serves both as a commemoration and a reflective milestone within the "Dream-Seeking Series." Two Titans from the Land of Jing-Chu One is the Hegemon-King, Xiang Yu; the other, the God of War, Han Xin. Both were once brash and ambitious youths, both harbored grand visions for the realm, and both believed they held the power to reshape their era—yet, the paths of these heroes did not align. The Hegemon-King met his end at the Wu River, while the God of War perished within the Weiyang Palace. Without Han Xin, perhaps Xiang Yu would not have been driven to bid farewell to his beloved Consort Yu before taking his own life, nor would Liu Bang have been able to establish a golden age for the Han Dynasty. Was the consolidation of Han power inevitably tied to the death of Han Xin? For over two thousand years, the circumstances surrounding Han Xin’s demise have remained an elusive historical mystery. On the stage, where truth and fiction intertwine, we trace the final twenty-four hours of Han Xin’s life. When the "God of Death" encounters the "God of War," might there have been a moment of mercy? For this production, we are honored to feature the renowned cross-disciplinary artist Qiu Jirong. Through his unique fusion of dance and Peking Opera, he portrays the tragic arc of Xiang Yu—from his legendary feats of superhuman strength to his final, desperate act at the Wu River. He engages in a heroic dialogue with Han Xin—a conversation that transcends time, life, death, and destiny. Just as Qiu Jirong has consistently pushed beyond the conventional boundaries of Peking Opera to discover new possibilities between tradition and the contemporary, the Utopia Cantonese Opera Workshop has long remained committed to reconstructing the classics and forging new artistic paths beyond the traditional canon. A quest for a dream—even if left unfulfilled—is never a journey in vain. On stage, Han Xin and Xiang Yu pursue the dream of transforming the world; off stage, artists pursue the dream of ensuring that traditional art continues to evolve. Fifteen years later, *The Platform for Bestowing Command* (Bai Jiang Tai) looks back at these heroes—and serves as a tribute to all those who have never given up.