Kun opera (Kun Qu), a most refined traditional Chinese performing art form, will be a special highlight of“New Melody at the National Palace Museum” from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesday from April 6 to June 22, announced the museum in Taipei. The Taipei Kun Qu Research and Study Society will field the featured opera talents.
The classic“Peony Pavilion”originally written by Tang Xian-zu in the 17th century has been selected as initial opera offering, promising to lure spectators into the dream romance defying life and death of Du Li-niang and Liu Meng-mei.
The cultural program will be launched in keeping with the flower theme of the Taipei International Flora Exposition to wind up on April 25 and, in particular, of the exhibition“Fragrance Fills the Courtyard: Chinese Flower Paintings Through the Ages” to run until May 31 at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Flower paintings belonging to the museum, now on view, celebrate the changing seasons and auspicious metaphors about life.
“Peony Pavilion” has remained a masterpiece enjoying undying popular appeal for hundreds of years. Staged but not always in the original version, it, in fact, has adopted modifications or even crossover interpretations, however, always emerging as shining brilliantly like a gem in the world of Chinese theater and drama.
This time, episodes with the greatest audience appeal from the original opera – from Du Li-niang’s dream encounter with her scholar in the garden all the way to her resurrection and reunion with her lover Liu Meng-mei - will be staged for the free enjoyment of visitors at the National Palace Museum.
The museum will likewise organize lectures to promote better understanding and appreciation of paintings in its collection as well as the classic opera art form.
Dear Nancy:
ReplyDeleteNational Palace Museum reminds us of our sweet and nostalgic stay in Taipei...more so of our apartment which is located directly opposite the Museum premises.