Behind the scenes: 'Legend of the White Snake' in Kunqu Opera

Kunqu Opera, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, originated in the Kunshan-Taicang area of Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. It boasts a history of nearly 600 years. Combining poetry, music, singing and dance into an integrated art form, Kunqu is revered as the "teacher or ancestor of a hundred operas" in China. Recognized as one of the three classic operas of the world, Kunqu was proclaimed as a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 2001.

Troupes often perform episodes from operas rather than presenting a complete Kunqu performance. Among the most frequently staged excerpts are "Travelling in the Garden," "Longing for Earthliness" and "Broken Bridge."

The pictures depict an excerpt from the classic "Legend of the White Snake." The white snake spirit, Bai Suzhen, falls in love with Xu Xian, a kind man she met while strolling by the West Lake. To help Xu Xian open a pharmacy, Bai Suzhen sends her companion, Xiaoqing, to steal money from the treasury of a corrupt official. The storyline sees Xiaoqing and her companions successfully steal the money after defeating the guards.