Kunqu, one of the oldest and most refined forms of Chinese opera, dates back to the Yuan dynasty. Known for its elegant melodies, poetic lyrics, and graceful performance style, Kunqu has been recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.” This art form, which has significantly influenced other Chinese operatic traditions, continues to be cherished for its timeless beauty.
On Saturday, October 12, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Renwen Society at China Institute and the Kunqu Society of New York jointly present a captivating performance of classic Kunqu opera scenes. The talented students of the Kunqu Society will perform selected scenes from four Kunqu masterpieces: The Jade Hairpin, The Eternal Palace, The Western Chamber, and The Peony Pavilion.
The Jade Hairpin, written by Gao Lian, tells the love story between Pan Bizheng and Chen Miaochang, which takes place in a nunnery. “The Zither” is one of the play’s most famous scenes. It depicts the young scholar Pan Bizheng, who, while staying at the nunnery, hears zither music one night and follows it to Miaochang’s residence. There, he expresses his affection through his music. Miaochang, though secretly in love with Pan, pretends to reject his advances due to her status as a nun.
The Eternal Palace, written by Hong Sheng and based on Bai Juyi’s famous poem Song of Everlasting Regret, centers on the tragic romance between Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his beloved lady Yang Yuhuan, interwoven with reflections on the rise and fall of the Tang dynasty. In the scene “A Banquet for Two,” the emperor and the lady enjoy an intimate evening in the imperial garden, where Yang Yuhuan performs a dance to the verses of a poem by the great poet Li Bai. The emperor is delighted, and the scene exudes a sense of fleeting joy.
The Story of the Western Wing, adapted by Wang Shifu from Yuan Zhen’s The Tale of Yingying, tells the love story of the scholar Zhang Gong and the highborn lady Cui Yingying, who unite with the help of Yingying’s clever maid, Pinkie. In the scene “A Sweet Rendezvous,” Pinkie facilitates a secret meeting between the two lovers, imagining their blissful union while keeping watch outside.
The Peony Pavilion, written by Tang Xianzu, is a literary masterpiece and a cornerstone of the Kunqu repertoire. The famous scene “The Interrupted Dream” depicts Du Liniang, the daughter of the governor of Nan’an, falling asleep after a leisurely stroll in the garden. In her dream, she meets a handsome young scholar, Liu Mengmei, with whom she shares a romantic encounter.
This performance promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing the enchanting world of Kunqu opera to the New York Community. Join us for this extraordinary event!
Free, but advance registration is required
昆曲起源于元朝，历史悠久，影响广泛而深远，它是传统文化的结晶，也是戏曲表演的典范。昆曲艺术形式精致，内涵深厚。由于昆曲独特的文化价值，因此2001年入选联合国教科文组织首批“人类口头和非物质遗产代表作”。
华美人文学会(The Renwen Society at China Institute) 联手纽约海外昆曲社 (Kunqu Society of New York) 于美东时间10月12日（周六）下午2点至4点为纽约地区的民众奉上一场精彩纷呈的昆曲经典折子戏选段的演出。曲社昆曲传习班的同学们将粉墨登场，为大家带来《玉簪记·琴挑》《长生殿·小宴》《西厢记·佳期》和《牡丹亭·惊梦》。欢迎前来观赏！
《玉簪记》为明代高濂所撰，写潘必正和陈妙常之间曲折离奇的爱情故事。〈琴挑〉是《玉簪记》中最精彩的一折，描写寄居在女贞观中的必正，一晚循琴声至妙常住所，于是藉弹琴表达爱慕之意。妙常对必正虽亦心存爱慕，但碍于身份，不得不假意拒绝。
《长生殿》为清代洪昇根据白居易《长恨歌》编写，其内容以唐明皇李隆基与贵妃杨玉环的情感传奇为主，又交织了对国家兴亡的感概。〈小宴〉写明皇和贵妃在御花园中饮酒作乐。贵妃载歌载舞，为明皇歌唱诗仙李白所写清平词。明皇大乐，开怀畅饮。
《西厢记》为元代王实甫根据元稹所写的传奇《会真记》改编，讲述书生张珙与相国之女崔莺莺在婢女红娘的帮助之下历经波折终成眷属的故事。〈佳期〉中，红娘一力促成了张生与莺莺的幽会。她一面在外望风，一面想像这对爱人相依相伴的场景。
《牡丹亭》 为明代汤显祖所著，在文学史和昆曲剧坛上都是一部不朽的名著。其中的〈惊梦〉一折描写南安太守之女杜丽娘到花园游赏之后，睏倦入梦，在梦中与手持柳枝前来的俊美书生柳梦梅欢会。
China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
