Dialogues Across Time and Space – Contemporary Resonances of Kunqu Opera (古今对话： 昆曲的当代回响) – Workshop
p style=”text-align: justify;”>For its two events in Heidelberg, the PKU Kunqu Center ensemble is delighted to present a celebrated selection of classic Kunqu excerpts. Organized in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at Heidelberg University, CATS, and Heidelberg University’s Collaborative Research Centre project series Home(s): Phenomena, Practices, Representations, the performances will be accompanied by a discussion exploring the concept of “home” in its many dimensions – from family and belonging to nation and cultural identity.
The workshop on 23 May, held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Auditorium of the Centre for Asian and Transultural Studies, will offer the audience a closer encounter with the art of Kunqu through additional performance excerpts and practical demonstrations. Focusing on acting techniques, musical accompaniment, and movement, the workshop will provide insight into the performative traditions of Kunqu opera.
- 清曲（Singing with Dizi）
《牧羊记 望乡》The Shepherd’s Tale – Gazing Toward Home
This soul-stirring dialogue is set in the desolate North. Li Ling 李陵, a Han general who defected to the Xiongnu, encounters his old friend Su Wu苏武, a loyal Han envoy held captive as a shepherd. Together they stand on a ridge, gazing toward their distant homeland in grief.
《浣纱记 寄子》The Hall of Washing Silks-Entrusting the Son
The story is set during the Spring and Autumn era. Foreseeing the imminent downfall of the Kingdom of Wu, the senior minister Wu Zixu伍子胥flees his homeland with his son. In a heartbreaking act of sacrifice to preserve his lineage, he entrusts his child to a dear friend in the Kingdom of Qi.
《浣纱记 打围 【醉太平】》The Hall of Washing Silks- The Royal Hunt [Zui Tai Ping]
This is a song for Kunqu beginners. We encourage all participants to join into the singing.
- 身段（body movement）
A showcase of different role-types’ body movement led by actors of old-male role, young male-scholar role, refined maiden role, and young maiden role. We encourage participants to follow and learn.
Ensemble introduction:
Founded in 2013, the Peking University Kunqu Heritage and Communication Center is dedicated to preserving, studying, and promoting the art of Kunqu opera. Led by Professor Chen Jun from Peking University’s School of Arts, the Center brings together research, education, and performance to introduce Kunqu to new audiences in China and around the world.
Over the years, the Center has organized courses such as The Art of Kunqu, produced performances like The Peony Pavilion, and organized workshops and cultural events in Spain, Switzerland, the UK, Vietnam, and beyond.
Both events take place in cooperation with the Peking University Kunqu Heritage and Communication Center, the Center for Asian and Transcultural Studies (CATS) at Heidelberg University, and Heidelberg University’s Collaborative Research Centre project series Home(s): Phenomena, Practices, Representations.
