Kunqu, also known as the “Ancestor of All Operas”, originated in Kunshan County, Suzhou Prefecture (now Bacheng Town, Kunshan City, Jiangsu province) in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. In 2001, UNESCO listed Kunqu in the first batch of "Representative Works of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity".
With the full support of the Bacheng Town Government of Kunshan City, the Cultural Exchange Oasis of City University of Hong Kong is organising a series of activities for the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Artist-in-Residence Program 2025" (the Program), with Kunqu as the theme.
The Program will feature an exhibition, a lecture, and a workshop designed to present Kunqu from a new perspective. The Kunshan Kunqu Opera Theater (the Theatre), one of eight major Kunqu opera professional troupes in the country, has been invited to perform, ensuring a high-level theatrical experience for audiences. The Theatre has nurtured many talented actors with superb skills in recent years.
The Program will effectively promote traditional Chinese opera, deepen the participants' understanding and appreciation of this art form, and add a touch of Kunqu opera charm and elegance to the University campus this coming autumn.
Ancestor of a Hundred Operas: The Elegant Beauty of Kunqu Events
Bacheng Town of Kunshan -- Relishing Kunqu
This exhibition features a range of cultural and creative artefacts related to Kunqu, including comics of opera characters, exquisite handicrafts, tourist souvenirs and even Kunshan specialty coffee.
The Creation of LIU Mengmei in the Youth Version of Peony Pavilion
Mr. YU Jiulin will guide us in appreciating the beauty of the youth version of Peony Pavilion from his unique perspective, using LIU Mengmei as a representative figure to introduce Kunqu opera performance.
Composing the Clown Face of Kunqu Opera
This workshop offers a special cultural exploration for the participants, allowing them to savour Kunqu opera in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, while experiencing its profound artistic charm.
Showcase of Kunqu Opera Classic Excerpts
The classic repertoires performed by the Kunshan Opera Theatre include "The Peony Pavilion: A Dream in the Garden", "Fifteen Strings of Cash: A Visit", and "The Tiger Bag: The Gate of the Mountain".