Appreciation of Kunqu Opera Performance: Techniques and Characteristics

Kunqu Opera, with a history spanning over 600 years, stands alongside Greek and Sanskrit drama as one of the world’s three most ancient theatrical traditions.

In Kunqu, there is no sound that is not song, and no movement that is not dance. By synchronizing the essence of music, dance, poetry, painting, and acting into a comprehensive performing art form, Kunqu Opera encapsulates the highest attainment of Chinese artistic excellence.

It comes as no surprise that it has profoundly influenced Chinese literature, drama, music, and dance, earning the prestigious title of “ancestor to all operas.” On May 18, 2001, UNESCO made its first proclamation of 19 of the world’s most remarkable examples of oral and intangible heritage, with Kunqu Opera ranking at the top of the list.

Within Kunqu Opera, each role type has its own highly developed set of systematic movements and stylized techniques. These codified actions are crucial in portraying the disposition of characters, conveying their psychological states, enhancing dramatic effects, and amplifying the overall theatrical impact, thus forming a cohesive and unique performative system.

This lecture features Mr. Qian Zhenrong (錢振榮), a renowned Xiaosheng performer from the Jiangsu Provincial Kunju Institute, and Mr. Liu Hsi-Jung (劉稀榮), an associate professor in the Department of Chinese Drama at Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, and an inheritor of the Chou (Clown face) role type in Taiwan Kunju Institute.

They will analyze Kunqu Opera’s modular performance structure (“不到園林怎知春色如許 ”崑曲表演程式賞析) and the unique characteristics of the Kun-Chou role (崑丑的表演特色) through lecture and demonstration. Performers from the Kunqu Opera Society USA (美西崑曲研習社) will also present essential excerpts from the repertoire, offering the audience a chance to experience the elegance and sophistication of Kunqu Opera’s artistic style.

Arts on the Grounds creates intersections of literature and the performing arts. Events have included modern interpretations of classical theater and site-specific productions designed for the Clark grounds. The program engages a broad new range of audiences and brings the Library’s rich collections to life through performance.

The program is free to attend with advance registration, and will be held in-person at the Clark Library. Registration will close on Monday, October 7 at 5:00 p.m. Seating is limited at the Clark Library; walk-in registrants are welcome as space permits.

Organized by Yinghui Wu (University of California, Los Angeles) and Kunqu Opera Society USA

Cosponsored by UCLA Asia Pacific Center and Center for Chinese Studies

Sponsor(s): Asia Pacific Center, Center for Chinese Studies