Kunqu Opera: A Glimpse into China's Intangible Heritage

Kunqu Opera, formerly known as 'Kunshan Tune' or 'Kunqiang' for short, is an ancient Chinese opera voice and genre, now also known as 'Kunju'. Originating in Kunshan, Suzhou, China in the 14th century, Kunqu spread throughout the country through improvements by Wei Liangfu and others. It dominated the Chinese theater industry for nearly 300 years since the mid Ming Dynasty, earning recognition as an 'orchid' in the Hundred Flowers Garden of Chinese opera. This prestigious art form is one of the oldest traditional operas of the Han ethnic group and a treasure of traditional Chinese culture and art, especially in opera art.

In 2001, Kunqu was listed as a 'Representative Work of Human Oral and Intangible Heritage' by UNESCO. It was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists in 2006 and the 'Representative Work List of Human Intangible Cultural Heritage' in 2008, solidifying its global recognition.

Despite its glorious history, ancient Kunqu culture faces a predicament. The demanding skills required, with strict standards for basic skills, intimidate many young actors, hindering its inheritance. Kunqu also has a small audience. Its complex nature requires a high level of cultural cultivation for appreciation, limiting its reach and hindering its dissemination. Additionally, a large number of good scripts have been lost, with only less than one-fifth of the original scripts remaining.

Recognizing the decline of this traditional culture, the country has taken steps to preserve it. Experts prioritize rescuing existing plays and literature materials, recording the masterpieces of middle-aged and elderly artists nationwide, and collecting and organizing precious Kunqu literature, performance scripts, scores, and images. The repertoire is focused on inheritance and organization, with performances like the 'Peony Pavilion' by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, incorporating modern stage treatment while maintaining original characteristics, achieving good market effects.

To address the talent shortage, the Ministry of Culture plans to establish two Kunqu Opera actor training centers in Beijing and Shanghai over the next 10 years, providing talent for national Kunqu Opera troupes.

While Kunqu Opera faces various difficulties, its unique charm is captivating and, with the country's continuous promotion, more and more people will be drawn to its artistry. As the world embraces diversity, Kunqu Opera, with its rich history and enduring legacy, is poised to play a significant role in enriching the global cultural landscape.