Peking University, Mar. 31, 2012: In this wonderful spring night, the No.2 Gymnasium was immersed in the Kunqu opera Lazy Thrush. Around 30 young Kunqu enthusiasts from different schools and different majors, with the guidance of Kunqu artist Liang Guyin, imitated every twinkle and smile of Du Liliang, the heroine in Peony Pavilion.

In the one and half hours, even Kim from the University of Reading, without any contact with Kunqu before, could do it a kind of mold. Qi Tianqi, a student from Beijing Normal University, said, “We strived to imitate the teacher's every twinkle and smile, considering the feelings of Du Liliang, and deeply immersed in the fragrant fragrance of Kunqu. I really hope this activity can always go on, I would attend every class.” Students showed their high interest and enthusiastic towards this activity.

It is reported that PKU Kunqu Inheritance Project in 2012 has officially started Kunqu performing workshop, a new component. The workshop is expected to invite Zhang Jiqing, Cai Zhengren, Liang Guyin, Wang Shiyu, Hou Shaokui and other famous Kunqu artists, as well as Shen Fengying, Yu Jiulin and other performance elites in one year's time. University Kunqu enthusiasts can learn basic skills from them, share their learning experience and feelings. So they can not only enjoy it, but also learn it themselves, rather than just follow video without guidance.

Chen Jun, the host teacher of the course “Kunqu Appreciation” and associate researcher of Chinese National Academy of Arts, thought highly of the activity, “You can not only have fun in the workshop, but also learn Kunqu performance from the artists, closely feeling the beauty of Kun opera. It is a kind of "luxurious" experience. Behind the interpretation from these famous Kunqu artists is their decade of Kunqu career experience, such as Liang’s talk about "seeking dream”, which makes students easy to understand — not only helpful for Kunqu learning, but also appreciating it.

It is said that PKU Kunqu Inheritance Project prepared two special shows for Kunqu enthusiasts by Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theatre in 2012, including Peony Pavilion-the garden and Palace of Eternal Life. Via appreciating, showing more intension of Kunqu opera.

Written by: Shi Hui

Edited by: Arthars

Source: PKU News (Chinese)