The University of Michigan is set to host a rare and captivating showcase of Kunqu, one of the oldest and most revered forms of Chinese opera. On March 16, 2025, the CCCB (Central Campus Classroom Building) Auditorium will welcome professional performers from the Kun Opera Theatre of the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group of Nanjing, China, in an event designed to illuminate the history, artistry, and cultural significance of Kunqu.
Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Kunqu has captivated audiences for over 600 years with its seamless blend of storytelling, music, dance, and elaborate costumes. This six-part presentation will provide an in-depth exploration of Kunqu’s evolution and its continued influence on Chinese performing arts.
Shi Xiaming as a young man in love
Joseph S.C. Lam, professor of musicology in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) and leader of this project, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “Kunqu is not just an art form; it represents a living tradition that embodies the profound cultural and aesthetic values of China. This showcase offers a rare opportunity for our community to experience the beauty and sophistication of Kunqu firsthand.”
Xu Sija as Xiaoqing, a love-sick woman
The event will begin at 2:00 pm with a pre-show lecture on the nuances of Kunqu performance. Attendees will gain insight into the traditional role-types of Kunqu – including the refined young scholar (sheng), the vivacious and beautiful female lead (dan), the imposing painted-face character (jing), the mature man (mo), and the comedic clown (chou). Each of these roles is brought to life through stylized movements, melodic arias, and elaborate facial expressions.
At the heart of the event, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, five short plays – zhezixi – will be staged, each offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of Chinese society and its theatrical traditions. These include:
- Comedy and Romance:
The Drunken Runner (‘Zuizao’) from Story of the Velvet Pear Flower (Hongli ji) – A comedic portrayal of a lowly court clerk whose indulgence in wine leads to a series of humorous mishaps. - Subtle and suggestive theater:
A Self-pitying Concubine Writes a Lament (‘Tiqu’) from A Cure of the Jealous (Liaodu geng) – A moving reflection of a woman’s longing for love and liberation, inspired by the classic Peony Pavilion. - Conflict and Revenge:
Flee by Night (‘Yeben’) from Story of the Precious Sword (Baojian ji) – A gripping tale of a fallen hero navigating fear, exile, and the resolve to reclaim his honor. - A microcosm of humanity in troubled times:
Homeward Gaze (‘Wangxiang’) from Shepherd’s Story (Muyang ji) – A dramatic encounter between loyalty and betrayal as two former allies confront their fates in the shifting tides of history. - Twists of Fate:
New Year’s Eve (‘Chuxi’) from Stories about Talented Tang Dynasty Men (Shi yan: Tang caizi chuan) – A comical encounter between an emperor who by his birthright has all the riches he wants and a talented but underappreciated scholar-monk who has nothing but his poetry.
These performances are brought to life by twelve master artists, each recognized for their excellence in Kunqu’s performance traditions. Among them are celebrated figures such as Shi Xiaming, a Plum Blossom Prize recipient, and Xu Sijia, an acclaimed specialist in the dan role. Their artistry, supported by skilled musicians and stage technicians, promises to deliver a mesmerizing theatrical experience.
Shi Xiaming as Li Ling and Yang Yang as Su Wu in Wangxiang
Lv Yanan as Lin Chong in Yeben
Following the performances, from 5:00 to 5:30 pm, audience members will have the opportunity to engage with the performers in a Q&A session, offering deeper insight into Kunqu’s artistic techniques and cultural relevance.
Presented by the U-M Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies, with support from the Arts Initiative, SMTD, and the Center for World Performance Studies, this extraordinary event is free and open to the public, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of one of China’s most treasured art forms.