EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

DATE: 2 p.m. March 16, 2025

EVENT: The University of Michigan will host a rare showcase of Kunqu, one of the oldest and most revered forms of Chinese opera.

The Kun Opera Theatre of the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group of Nanjing, China, will perform 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 more than 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.

“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,” said project leader Joseph S.C. Lam, professor of musicology at the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

Attendees will gain insight into the traditional role-types of Kunqu—ranging from the refined young scholar (sheng) to 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, four short plays—zhezixi—will be staged, each offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of Chinese society and its theatrical traditions.

These include:

• “The Drunken Runner,” a comedic portrayal of a lowly court clerk whose indulgence in wine leads to a series of humorous mishaps.
• “A Self-pitying Concubine Writes A Lament,” a moving reflection of a woman’s longing for love and liberation, inspired by the classic Peony Pavilion.
• “Flee by Night,” a gripping tale of a fallen hero navigating fear, exile and the resolve to reclaim his honor.
• “Homeward Gaze,” a dramatic encounter between loyalty and betrayal as two former allies confront their fates in the shifting tides of history.

These performances are brought to life by 12 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.

A Q&A session with the artists, offering deeper insight into Kunqu’s artistic techniques and cultural relevance, will follow the performances at 5 p.m.

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,
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.

PLACE: Central Campus Classroom Building Auditorium, 1225 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor

SPONSOR: Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies