Hunan Kunqu Opera: Century-old art shines in modern era

Hunan Kunqu Opera actors perform Peony Pavilion on the stage. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

An actor portrays Lu Zhishen in Drunken Lu Zhishen Wreaking Havoc at the Monastery. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chenzhou, a city in Central China's Hunan province, has deep historical ties to Kunqu Opera. Here, a distinct regional style, Hunan Kunqu Opera, evolved and took shape.

Kunqu Opera, known as the "ancestor of all operas," has a history of over 600 years and is one of the three oldest theatrical traditions in the world. It first arrived in Chenzhou during the mid-Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), giving birth to Hunan Kunqu Opera as a local theatrical form.

In the third year of the Wanli era (1575), Hu Han, the governor of Chenzhou, often enjoyed Kunqu Opera with his officials. He recited poems at Wanhuayan Cave, leaving behind the earliest written record of this art in the region.

Renowned for its delicate and lyrical "Shuimoqiang" (soft melody), Hunan Kunqu Opera emphasizes singing and dancing, drawing on the rich traditions of southern Chinese opera and zaju (a form of Chinese opera).

Though Hunan Kunqu Opera experienced periods of decline, efforts to revive the art form began in 1956 with the support of the Hunan provincial government. In 1960, the Chenzhou Kunqu Opera Troupe was officially founded and later renamed the Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe, becoming the only professional Kunqu Opera troupe in Central and South China.

Over the past five decades, the Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe has created over 60 major works and more than 100 short pieces. Classic dramas such as Peony Pavilion, White Rabbit, and Hairpin have been staged abroad as a window into this traditional Chinese culture.

In 2001, Kunqu Opera was recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, further enhancing the international influence of Hunan Kunqu Opera.

Today, the Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe continues to preserve traditional plays while embracing innovation, attracting a younger audience, and revitalizing this ancient art form.