On the evening of the 12th October, the classical Kunqu masterpiecethe Peony Pavilionwas staged in the auditorium in Siping Campus of Tongji University as an important element of Tongji Arts Festival. More than 1,500 teachers and students watched this classic repertoire performed by Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe and were deeply immersed in the fantastic performance experiencing the happiness and sorrows in this charming opera.

If you have never been to the classical Chinese garden, how can you know the beauty of spring scenery? If you have not listened to Kunqu, how can you appreciate its beauty?The Peony Pavilion, is not only a classical opera with 400-year history, but also a masterpiece of Kunqu, the traditional Chinese opera with the longest history. Rosy clouds appear differently in the morning and afternoon, and the pavilions seem like hidden among the clouds; breeze and drizzle bring abundant moisture and the gorgeously decorated boat is shrouded in dim mist”. Dancing and walking gracefully, Chunxiang and Duliniang, performed by the artists from Shanghai Kunqu Opera opened this classical play. With the charming and gentle libretto and its amazing music (music for voices in a Chinese opera), artists presented the audience with classic plots inThe Peony Pavilion, such as Outing in the Garden，Pursuing Dream, Wandering of Soul and The Love Entrusted in Portrait, with a slow and graceful way in a fluid glance and flying long sleeves, which showed the charming of Kunqu incisively and vividly. When the show was approaching the end, the auditorium spontaneously erupted in warm applause.

This activity of the Elegant Art in Universities was very helpful for students and teachers to further understand and appreciate Kunqu. It also provided them with new insight into the traditional Chinese opera culture. The committee of the art festival has in plan to introduce more interesting and outstanding works from all over the world to bridge the gap between arts and teachers and students and to enhance the cultural atmosphere at the university.

Translated by May Language Studio based upon

http://news.tongji.edu.cn/classid-6-newsid-48736-t-show.html