Peony Pavilion---the Everlasting Romance

As a representative work of outstanding Chinese dramatist Tang Xianzu of Ming dynasty, the Peony Pavilion unveils the romantic story between Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei, reflecting the persistent aspiration for free love and exposes the evil of the feudal ethics. Also it is renowned for beautiful verses and deep influence on the development of Chinese drama.

Du Liniang has a dream in which she meets a young scholar and promises to marry him. As she wakes up, she yearns for her lover and falls ill; after a while she dies of lovesickness. The young scholar in her dream was Liu Mengmei, who later made his way to the capital to take the imperial examination. He meets Du Liniang's soul in Plum Blossom Nunnery and agrees to help her return to life by reuniting her soul with her body. They are successful and live happily ever after.

Kunqu
Kunqu (Kun Melody) is listed in Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity as Chinese treasure, while Peony Pavilion is the most famous one in Kunqu World. In Ming dynasty, theater has developed into a mature style. The original form of Kunqu opera is set in the private garden of big families in the southern China. Kunqu ensembles are supported by this family where they rehearse, perform and live. And the Kunqu opera became a fashion entertainment for the rich and powerful families.

The Peony Pavilion unveils young people's aspiration and pursuit for love. The youth version performed by actors who are in the age of the characters and it will completely unveil the beauty of youth.