Peony blooms afresh(2)

Kunqu Opera master performers Hua Wenyi (left) and Cai Zhengren from Shanghai also play leading roles. Photo provided to China Daily

Liu Yilong, 75, from Shanghai Kunqu Opera Theater, is known for a minor role in The Peony Pavilion—that of Shi Dao Gu, a middle-aged Daoist abbess who helps Liu Mengmei dig up the grave of Du Liniang before Du is resurrected.

"It's my favorite role and I have performed it three times in my life. Despite the age difference, the woman loves Liu but she is willing to sacrifice her love to help him. Some have described The Peony Pavilion as the Romeo and Juliet of the East. I think The Peony Pavilion is unique and incomparable," says Liu.

Hou Shaokui, who came from Northern Kunqu Opera Theater, will perform the role of the judge of hell in the show. The 74-year-old actor is known for his wusheng roles (male roles with martial arts skills), although he has never performed the role before.

"It's very challenging since I have to memorize all the lyrics, tunes and movements within a short time. I felt like learning a whole new show again," he says. "This is a rare opportunity to have all the great Kunqu Opera actors perform in one show. It's a new peak in my career."

Yang Fengyi, the director of Northern Kunqu Opera Theater, came up with the idea of presenting such a special version of The Peony Pavilion.

As the opening show of the 2014 National Kunqu Heritage Report Performance, which will run from Dec 13 to 24, this version of The Peony Pavilion will be staged in Beijing on Dec 13 and 14.

During the 2014 National Kunqu Heritage Report Performance, The Peony Pavilion will be performed in eight different versions by seven Kunqu Opera troupes.

"When I was a little girl, I admired their Kunqu Opera singing skills and performances. I hope this version will work as a good example for the young Chinese Kunqu Opera actors," says Yang, 52.

The Peony Pavilion has been adapted into different art forms, such as ballet and contemporary dance. But for me, only Kunqu Opera could tell the authentic story and emotions thoroughly. To achieve the creativity of ancient art forms, we have to learn from the past, from the old-generation artists."

If you go

7:30 pm, Dec 13 and 14. Tianqiao Theater, 30 Beiwei Lu (Road), Xicheng district, Beijing. 4006-228-228.