A contemporary version of the classic Kunqu Opera "The Peony Pavilion" aimed at younger audiences and now championed by the venerated Chinese-American writer Pai Hsien-yung, recently hit the stage in Peking University to commemorate its 20th anniversary. 

Kunqu is one of the oldest forms of traditional opera in China. With a history of more than 600 years, it is known as the "ancestor of all Chinese operas." 

The famous piece "The Peony Pavilion" was originally written by Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) playwright Tang Xianzu, who is often compared to William Shakespeare.

And in the so-called "youth version," the original 55 scenes have been rearranged into 27, combining classical Kunqu Opera traditions with more modern art forms. 

"Our production is rooted in the spirit of tradition while carefully infusing it with modern stage aesthetics. It's a successful combination of the traditional and the contemporary," said Pai Hsien-yung. 

The modern version premiered in 2003 and has since become a major phenomenon, with over 400 performances held across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as in countries such as Greece, the United Kingdom and the United States.