Shanghai Kunqu Opera Company (China)
On July 4, Shanghai Kunqu Opera Company will for the first time perform on the stage of Tsarevets Fortress, presenting the traditional Chinese opera “Meeting Among the Blossoming Peaches”.
The event is on the occasion of 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the People’s Republic of China and is included in the program of the “Stage of the Ages” 2024. It is organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bulgaria, the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo and Confucius Institute at Veliko Tarnovo University. Entrance is free.
Kunqu or Kun opera emerged and developed as a new type of dramatic art during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Until the end of the 16th century, it occupied a central place on the Chinese stage. Two centuries later, it became one of the symbols of China, and since 2001 it has been part of the UNESCO list of masterpieces of oral and intangible world cultural heritage.
“A MEETING AMONG THE BLOSSOMING PEACHES”
Based on the play by Meng Chunshuang, adapted by Wang Yueyan
Starring:
Hu Weilu
Zhang Li
During the Qingming Festival, scholar Tsuei Hu travelled to the southern part of the Spring City. On the way he becomes very thirsty and goes to a farmer’s home to ask for water, where he meets and falls in love with a young girl named Ye Jan-ar. Tsuei Hu thinks so much of her beauty that he fantasizes about her every day. Driven by his dreams, he returns to the southern part of the city. To his surprise, the peach trees are still in bloom, but the gate is locked and there is no sign of the girl. Desperate, he writes a love poem on the gate and leaves. So he leaves behind a famous poem that became very popular over the centuries.
