China's Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe performs a classic folktale, "The Lanke Mountain." (Photo : YouTube)
One of China's most popular plays, the "Peony Pavilion" goes global with its scheduled tours in New York City and Prague under the production of Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe.
The "Peony Pavilion" was first performed in late 1500s. It is said to be the most celebrated play in the Ming Dynasty, narrating the love story of Liu Mengmei and Du Liniang. The masterpiece was written by Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu, who is known as the Shakespeare of China.
In celebration of the author's 400th death anniversary, the Kunqu Opera is set to stage the play with 38 performances this year.
Aside from Prague and New York City, the "Peony Pavilion" will also be performed in 11 major cities in China. The tour will kick off on April 24, Sunday.
"We've signed up for 38 shows this year. This is the largest project of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe," Kunqu Opera director Gu Haohao said in an interview with China Daily.
Theater actress Liang Guyin is among the cast members.
"I am grateful for the love and support of the audiences, which is so much more than I deserve," Liang was quoted as saying by China Daily. "I might be in heaven when I actually reach the level they praised me for."
Another representative from Kunqu Opera also said the global tour is meant to celebrate Tang's art and China's literature.
"The global tour aims to not only highlight the works of Chinese playwright master Tang Xianzu, but also to help audiences get a better understanding of traditional Kunqu Opera," the representative said in a report by Women of China.
The "Peony Pavilion" is part of Tang's the "Four Dreams" collection, along with "The Purple Hairpin," "Record of Handan" and "Record of Southern Bough."
Other actors who performed in past adaptations include Mei Lanfang, Jennifer Hua Wenyi and Zhang Jiqing.
