U of M presents rare Chinese opera performance

Contacts: Kate Sophia, Confucius Institute, (612) 624-5075, kate@umn.edu
Ryan Maus, University News Service, (612) 624-1690, maus@umn.edu

The Confucius Institute at the University of Minnesota will present Peking and Kunqu Opera performed by China’s National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts on Sunday, Nov. 1. The performance, “Highlights of Classical Chinese Theater,” includes excerpts from some of the most famous Peking and Kunqu Operas in the Tedd Mann Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth St. S., Minneapolis.

Peking and Kunqu Opera are forms of traditional Chinese theater that combine music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics with vibrant makeup and costumes. Kunqu Opera, often called the “mother” of Chinese Opera, has been around for more than 600 years. In 2001, UNESCO declared Kunqu Opera as a “Masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.” This designation has helped to revive this valuable and “endangered” art form within China.

“It’s a great treat to see excerpts from Kunqu Opera and Peking Opera,” said U of M Asian Languages and Literatures faculty member Ann Waltner. Waltner, whose research focuses on the social history of 16th and 17th century China, notes that “The Peony Pavilion” – one of the operas excerpted in Sunday’s performance – is one of the best loved of all Kunqu Operas.

“While it was very popular in 16th-centrury China, it was also regarded as somewhat scandalous,” Waltner said. “Its recent revival has been important in a revival of interest in Kun Opera in China in general.”

“Highlights of Classical Chinese Theater” will also include excerpts from Peking Operas “At the Crossroads,” “Reed Jungle,” “Picking Up the Jade Bracelet,” “Fourth Son Visiting His Mother” and “Autumn River.” This performance is sponsored by the Confucius Institute at the University of Minnesota and co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Office of International Programs and China Center, the Chinese American Association of Minnesota (CAAM) and the Confucius Institute at the University of South Carolina.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. at Ted Mann Concert Hall at the University of Minnesota. To purchase tickets, contact the University of Minnesota Arts Ticket Office at http://northrop.umn.edu/tickets or (612) 624-2345.