EVENT NOTIFICATION

DATE: 2 p.m. March 16, 2025

EVENT: The University of Michigan will present an exceptional display of Kunqu, one of the oldest and most esteemed versions of Chinese opera.

Performers from the Kun Opera Theatre of the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group in Nanjing, China, will take the stage in an event aimed at shedding light on the rich history, artistry, and cultural importance of Kunqu.

Designated by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Kunqu has mesmerized spectators for over 600 years, seamlessly integrating storytelling, music, dance, and intricate costumes. This presentation, consisting of six segments, will delve deeply into the development of Kunqu and its ongoing impact on Chinese performing arts.

“Kunqu transcends mere artistry; it is a living tradition that reflects the deep cultural and aesthetic principles of China. This showcase presents a unique chance for our community to experience the elegance and refinement of Kunqu up close,” remarked project leader Joseph S.C. Lam, a musicology professor at the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional role-types in Kunqu—spanning from the cultured young scholar (sheng) to the dynamic and captivating female lead (dan), the formidable painted-face character (jing), the seasoned man (mo), and the humorous clown (chou). Each character is animated through stylized movements, melodic arias, and detailed facial expressions.

At the core of the event, four short plays—zhezixi—will be performed, each providing a distinctive glimpse into the intricacies of Chinese society and its theatrical customs.

These performances include:

• “The Drunken Runner,” a humorous depiction of an insignificant court clerk whose penchant for wine results in a series of comedic blunders.
• “A Self-pitying Concubine Pens A Lament,” an emotional portrayal of a woman’s yearning for love and freedom, inspired by the renowned Peony Pavilion.
• “Flee by Night,” a riveting narrative of a fallen hero grappling with fear, exile, and the determination to restore his honor.
• “Homeward Gaze,” a gripping confrontation between fidelity and treachery as two former allies face their destinies in the changing currents of history.

These performances will be brought to life by 12 master artisans, all acknowledged for their proficiency in Kunqu’s performance traditions. Among them are honored individuals such as Shi Xiaming, a recipient of the Plum Blossom Prize, and Xu Sijia, a respected expert in the dan role.

A question and answer session with the performers will follow, offering a closer understanding of Kunqu’s artistic techniques and cultural significance, taking place at 5 p.m.

After the performances, from 5:00 to 5:30 pm, audience members will have the chance to engage with the performers during a Q&A session,
This remarkable event is complimentary and accessible to the public, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the beauty and intricacies of one of China’s most cherished art forms.

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

SPONSOR: Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies