Sheng Fengying (left) and Shen Guofang perform an excerpt from Peony Pavilion (adapted by instructor Pai Hsien-yung) during the new Classic Kunqu Opera Appreciation Class held at Peking University on Thursday evening. Photo: CFP
By Wen Ya
Many young people write off traditional Chinese operas as shrieking in unintelligible dialects enjoyed by the elderly listening on handheld radios. However, young students now have a chance to finally appreciate what all the noise is about as Classic Kunqu Opera Appreciation opened at Peking University (PKU) Thursday evening.
Hosted by Pai Hsien-yung, a famous Taiwanese novelist and former Chinese professor at the University of California, the class has already attracted more than 300 curious students. Part of a larger plan to expand Kunqu education at PKU, the undergraduate class will cover the aesthetics, philosophy and history of the traditional art.
Kunqu 101
Considered the "mother of Chinese opera," Kunqu was registered by UNESCO named of the 19 "Masterpieces of Intangible Heritage" in 2001. Originated from its namesake of Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province in the 14th century, it developed into one of the most influential art forms from the mid-Ming (1368-1644) to mid- Qing dynasties (1644-1911).
Kunqu is considered the highest form of traditional operas. Compared to Peking Opera, Kunqu incorporates more complex storylines, is often penned by notable composers and is more musically varied. Also, performers dance while singing; every single phrase accompanied by a corresponding movement, where Peking Opera never includes simultaneous dance and song.
Reviving the classics
According to Pai, the course is not only designed to teach appreciation for Kunqu but foster a new generation of audience as China continues to reacquaint its youth with traditional art forms.
"Kunqu shouldn't die, but live on in campuses," said Pai.
"Living on" also means live in-class performance as renowned Kunqu actresses Shen Fengying and Shen Guofang performed two scenes of Peony Pavilion (by Ming composer Tang Xianzu). The scenes were "adapted for youth" with new costume design, dance moves and current language all of which were well received.
"It's so exciting, I was so close that I could see the actresses expressions, gestures and even feel their breath," said Hu Guangming, 24, a second year grad student in Chinese literature.
"I'm deeply moved by Pai's sincerity and enthusiasm for opera. I know he hoped for us to love it, and we do!" said Yi Ziyi, 20, an international relations sophomore at PKU.
Part of the strategy in preserving Kunqu is passing it down through universities, said Ye Long, president of PKU's School of Art.
"College students have a solid foundation in culture and can provide the perfect audience for Kunqu," Ye said.
Although there are Kunqu schools in Suzhou and Shanghai, Pai said he looks forward to Kunqu taking root at universities all over the country; the second likely candidate is Soochow University in Suzhou.
"I hope to see Kunqu successful everywhere so that more people can understand and enjoy it," Pai said.