Kunqu Opera in China,Chinese Kunqu Opera

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The original version of this opera, written by Hong Sheng (1645 - 1704) consisted of 50 episodes. Unfortunately many have been lost, and only a few are now performed. Suzhou Opera Theatre performs a 27 episode show over 3 nights, rearranged by Kungqu Opera expert Gu Duhuang.

Gu is an operatitic traditionalist and believes that too many modern productions rely on special effects, which diminishes the power of the opera itself. He believes that these productions lose their cultural significance to the meaningless audio and visual effects.

Gu says he does not feel comfortable seeing some of today's "traditional opera," which features elaborate settings, lighting and music. "I have seen many of these works, copying the Western style or the so-called modern theatre. I don't like it and I tried my best to get rid of the Western influence when I worked for 'The Palace of Eternal Youth,' although I have been involved in it for a dozen years."

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Kunqu Opera