The Kun Opera 'Peony Pavilion' Comes to UCLA

Adapted from a classic script by the renowned Taiwanese writer Kenneth Pai, the critically acclaimed "Young Lovers' Edition" of the Kun opera Peony Pavilion (Mudanting) will be hosted by UCLALive over three consecutive evenings beginning September 29th, 2006.

The Center for Chinese Studies is proud to welcome to UCLA the company of the “young lovers' edition” 青春版 edition of the Ming dynasty opera Mudanting (“Peony Pavilion”), which will be performed at Royce Hall this September 29 through October 1. Produced by renowned author Pai Hsien-yung 白先勇 and sung by members of the Suzhou Kun Opera Theatre 蘇州崑劇院, the new Mudanting has been performed more than sixty times in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong to resounding acclaim. Especially exciting is the warm welcome the work has received among college students and other young people. This production of Mudanting will help to insure the healthy survival of one of China's precious cultural traditions both in China and abroad.

The Center has organized a series of lectures and demonstrations to introduce Mudanting and the history and art of kunqu, the elegant genre in which this opera was composed. Besides preparing audiences to enjoy this exquisite work to the utmost, we look forward to laying the groundwork for a wider renaissance and international appreciation of traditional Chinese performing arts during the coming years. The Center invites all interested members of the public to attend our lectures and demonstrations.

Lovers of traditional Chinese culture who would like to join in supporting the Center's educational efforts may learn about philanthropic opportunities here. We look forward to seeing you at Royce Hall this September!

Wesbite launched

The UCLA Center for Chinese Studies has launched a multimedia-rich website-within-a-website on the performances, events surrounding the performances, historical and background information, interviews with Kenneth Pai, and more.

Enter the Peony Pavilion in Southern California website »

Center for Chinese Studies

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