Original Kunqu Opera adapted from classic literature to debut in Shanghai
By Ai Yan
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An original Kunqu Opera, "Six Chapters of a Floating Life", produced by Shanghai Grand Theater, is expected to debut on July 13.

The opera is based on the titular literary works by Qing-dynasty (1644-1911) scholar and writer Shen Fu, which have been highly valued by Kunqu Opera artists and fans in recent years. Two months before its run begins, the tickets for the performances have already sold out.

During a press conference held on Tuesday, the Shanghai Grand Theater announced that the opera will return on November 22-24, and will later become part of the a repertoire there. 

Trying the make-up for the Kunqu Opera "Six Chapters of a Floating Life". /Photo via The Paper

Trying the make-up for the Kunqu Opera "Six Chapters of a Floating Life". /Photo via The Paper

Why is the story so popular?

Shen Fu's book "Six Chapters of a Floating Life" contains autobiographical literary sketches about himself and his wife Chen Yun.

It originally had six chapters, depicting the leisure days of the couple with some anecdotes, as well as their hardships and sorrows.

The book has been highly valued by a number of great Chinese scholars and literature gurus, including Lin Yutang, Chinese writer, translator and philosopher, who once said "Chen Yun is one of the loveliest women in Chinese literature".

The book was a "bestseller" during the Qing Dynasty, and until today, it has always been considered a "guide book" of the elegant and tasteful lifestyle of the ancient Chinese scholars. 

What is special about this Kunqu Opera?

This is not the first time "Six Chapters of a Floating Life" has been adapted into a Kunqu Opera. Another version adapted by a Suzhou troupe was previously performed at Suzhou Garden, and earned itself fame and applause.

The Shanghai version was adapted by a very young team, including scriptwriter Luo Zhou, director Ma Junfeng, and actors and Kunqu Opera artists Shi Xiaming and Shan Wen, both of whom are among the top artists of the younger generation.

Luo Zhou is a winner of several domestic script awards, including Cao Yu Literature Awards, one of the most privilege awards for writers. She has written more than 70 operas during the past 10 years. 

Shan Wen, who takes the role of Chen Yun in the opera, attends the press conference. /Photo via Shanghai Grand Theater

Shan Wen, who takes the role of Chen Yun in the opera, attends the press conference. /Photo via Shanghai Grand Theater

"What touches me most is the extreme happiness and sadness of the author Shen Fu while writing the book," Luo said. "He interwove them into his letters and sentences."

Luo has created a new character, Ban Xia, who will be a witness of Shen Fu and Chen Yun’s life from the third point of view in the opera.

Shan Wen, who takes the role of Chen Yun, said that Chen is quite different from the traditional female characters in Kunqu Opera, who are usually confined to their own house.

"She is not bounded by the feudal ethical code, and is a very modern character," said Shan. She revealed that she has also adopted something new in her acting and performance.

Shi Xiaming, who takes the role of Shen Fu in the opera, is at the press conference. /Photo via Shanghai Grand Theater

Shi Xiaming, who takes the role of Shen Fu in the opera, is at the press conference. /Photo via Shanghai Grand Theater

Kunqu Opera is one of China's oldest forms of opera, and can be dated back to the late Yuan (1271-1368) and early Ming (1368-1644) Dynasties. Most of the Kunqu Operas still performed today are works of the traditional masters such as Tang Xianzu, who lived in the same era as William Shakespeare.

In recent years, many troupes have produced and created original or newly adapted operas.