Chinese Shaoxing Opera Distress Maiden Fengxue Hanmei Li Sanniang Dress Costumes and Headpieces The Chinese Shaoxing Opera Distress Maiden, also known as Fengxue Hanmei, is a traditional Chinese opera that originated in the 19th century.

It tells the story of a young woman named Fengxue who falls in love with a man named Hanmei but is forced to marry another man.

The opera is characterized by its beautiful costumes and intricate headpieces, which are designed to reflect the characters' personalities and emotions.

One of the most famous scenes in the opera is when Fengxue tries to escape from her husband by jumping into a well.

This scene is often performed with a large wooden bucket, which is used to represent the well.

The bucket is usually decorated with intricate patterns and colors, and it is carried by two performers who must balance it while performing the jump.

Another important element of the opera is the use of music.

The music is typically composed of a combination of traditional Chinese instruments, such as the erhu and pipa, and Western-style orchestral arrangements.

The music is used to create a sense of tension and emotion throughout the performance, helping to convey the characters' feelings and motivations.