Kunqu Opera, one of China’s oldest and most revered art forms, continues to enchant audiences with its timeless classic, ‘Legend of the White Snake.’ Originating nearly 600 years ago in the Kunshan-Taicang area of Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Kunqu Opera seamlessly weaves together poetry, music, song, and dance into a masterful integrated performance.
Known as the ‘teacher or ancestor of a hundred operas’ in China, Kunqu Opera holds a prestigious place in the world of performing arts. In 2001, it was honored by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity,” cementing its status as one of the world’s three classic operas.
The “Legend of the White Snake” is a beloved excerpt from Kunqu Opera that tells the enchanting tale of Bai Suzhen, a white snake spirit who falls in love with a kind-hearted man named Xu Xian during a chance meeting by the West Lake. To support Xu in opening a pharmacy, Bai enlists the help of her companion, Xiaoqing, to acquire funds from a corrupt official. Demonstrating courage and wit, Xiaoqing and her allies successfully retrieve the money after overcoming the official’s guards.
This timeless story not only showcases the rich narrative tradition of Kunqu Opera but also highlights themes of love, sacrifice, and justice that resonate with audiences across generations and cultures.
Reference(s):
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