Kunqu Opera toasts celebrated life of Shen Fu
Kunqu performers Shan Wen (left) and Shi Xiaming
Kunqu Opera “Six Chapters of a Floating Life,” based on the autobiographical narrative of Shen Fu (1763-1825), will make its debut at Shanghai Grand Theater on Saturday.
Born in Changzhou, now known as Suzhou, Shen was educated as a scholar but earned his living as a civil servant and art dealer. In this intimate memoir, he recounts the domestic and romantic joys of his marriage to Yun, the beautiful and artistic girl he fell in love with.
Zhang Xiaoding, general manager of Shanghai Grand Theater, revealed it took them two years to create the Kunqu Opera adaptation of the literature classic.
“The sweet story and dreams of the couple in love will also resonate with today’s audience,” said Zhang.
The play is the first Kunqu Opera production created by Shanghai Grand Theater. It is also a cultural project funded by Shanghai Cultural Development Foundation.
Talented scriptwriter Luo Zhou, whose credits include the romantic Kunqu Opera play “Blossoms On A Spring Moonlit Night” and a delicate Kunqu Opera version of Shakespeare’s classic romance “Romeo and Juliet,” also penned the play. Luo said that she was impressed by the interpretation of love and sense of eternity in “Six Chapters of a Floating Life.”
Shan Wen, the leading actress of the play, said that it is a challenge for her to depict such an outgoing and lovely role on the stage, because “Yun wasn’t a traditional role of the ladies from the big families.”
The play’s second round of performances will be staged from November 22 to 24. It will also become a resident performance of Shanghai Grand Theater. Spin-offs of the play, including exquisite tea sets and fans, have been designed.
Date: July 13, 7:15pm
Tickets: 80-680 yuan
Tel: 6386-8686
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater
Address: 300 People’s Ave
