Discover Kunqu Opera: The Magical Tale of the White Snake 🐍

Hey there! Have you ever heard of Kunqu Opera? It’s one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, with a history of nearly 600 years! That’s way older than your grandparents’ grandparents! 😮

Kunqu Opera started in a place called Kunshan-Taicang in Suzhou, which is in eastern China. It’s not just any opera—it’s known as the “teacher or ancestor of a hundred operas” in China because it inspired so many other styles. In fact, it’s so special that UNESCO called it a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” in 2001! 🌟

But what’s so cool about Kunqu Opera? Well, it’s a mix of poetry, music, singing, and dance all rolled into one amazing performance. The actors wear beautiful costumes and tell fantastic stories that have been loved for centuries.

One of the most famous stories in Kunqu Opera is the “Legend of the White Snake”. 🐍❤️ It’s about a magical white snake spirit named Bai Suzhen who turns into a lady and falls in love with a kind man called Xu Xian. They meet while walking by the beautiful West Lake—imagine meeting a new friend by a peaceful lake! 🌊

To help Xu Xian open a pharmacy so he can help people, Bai Suzhen sends her friend, Xiaoqing, on a special mission. Xiaoqing and her buddies bravely sneak into the treasury of a greedy official to get the money they need. Think of it like a daring treasure hunt! 🏴‍☠️

They face tough guards but use their cleverness and skills to succeed. It’s a tale of adventure, friendship, and bravery. Wouldn’t it be exciting to see this story come to life on stage? 🎭

If you ever get the chance to watch a Kunqu Opera performance, don’t miss it! It’s like stepping into a time machine and experiencing a piece of history that’s still alive today. Who knows, maybe you’ll even fall in love with the magic of opera! ✨

Reference(s):

Behind the scenes: 'Legend of the White Snake' in Kunqu Opera

cgtn.com