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.
Taking place at 6:00 pm on 22 May at the Völkerkundemuseum Heidelberg, the evening performance will feature the scenes from the renowned Kunqu plays The Massacre of a Thousand Loyalists, The Palace of Eternal Life, and The Peony Pavillion. The event will also include an academic conversation between Chen Jun, Professor at Peking University, and Barbara Mittler, Professor at Heidelberg University.
- 《千忠戮 惨睹》The Massacre of a Thousand Loyalists — A Tragic Sight [performance time:20min]
Following a bloody coup, the dethroned Emperor Jianwen (Ming Dynasty) wanders the outskirts of his former kingdom in the guise of a monk. As he flees, he witnesses the horrific execution of his most loyal officials and their families.
- 《长生殿弹词》The Palace of Eternal Youth–The Ballad [performance time: 20min]
- 《牡丹亭惊梦》The Peony Pavilion-Interrupted Dream [performance time: 25min]
The “Peony Pavilion” is a signature masterpiece of Kunqu and the most frequently performed piece overseas. The dream encounter between Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei celebrates a love that transcends both life and death.
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.
