Full version of Chinese theatrical masterpiece "The Peony Pavilion" to be staged in Guangzhou

One of the most celebrated Kunqu Opera plays, The Peony Pavilion, will be staged at the Guangzhou Opera House on March 29 and 30. The play, produced and performed by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, consists of three chapters and 55 acts and lasts for eight hours.

Written by Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), The Peony Pavilion tells the story of the romance between Du Liniang, a daughter of a wealthy official, and Liu Mengmei, a talented but poor young scholar in the Southern Song Dynasty (960-1279). With its fervent romanticism and intricate plots, it has become a significant milestone in the history of Chinese dramatic literature.

Traditionally, the play is only performed in parts because of its long length. The upcoming full-version reintroduces twenty scenes rarely performed before, delving into the social context. In addition, through the turntable stage design, the performance shows the transitions between settings like boudoirs, gardens, palaces, and rural landscapes, depicting the culture, religion, costumes, and other aspects of life in the Southern Song Dynasty.

Since its premiere, the full-length version of The Peony Pavilion has been staged nearly 40 times in less than a year. In 2023, lead actors Luo Chenxue and Hu Weilu were honored with the 31st China Drama Plum Blossom Awards and the 31st Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Award, respectively.