LONDON — In a London rehearsal room, Chinese musical-theater actress Fiona Zhu donned a long, pale costume reminiscent of traditional Chinese opera, taking on the role of an ancient Chinese woman on stage.
The character is inspired by Zhao Zhuangji, a historical figure later associated with Princess Zhao in The Orphan of Zhao, one of China's best-known classical dramas.
But Zhu was interested in something beyond the familiar story of sacrifice, loyalty and revenge.
After years of playing different roles, she had noticed that women in historical and theatrical stories were often remembered as wives, mothers or daughters, while less was said about the individuals behind those identities.
Zhao Zhuangji offered one example. Even the name by which she is known today was tied partly to her husband Zhao Shuo and his clan, while her own personal given name has not been clearly preserved.
"Then where is her own name?" Zhu recalled wondering.
That question helped inspire Herstory in History, an original one-woman musical set to make its London debut in August before heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The production brings Zhao Zhuangji together with a present-day actress, moving between a historical character and a modern performer trying to understand the different roles she has taken on in her own life.
