Peony blooms afresh

Kunqu Opera master performers Hua Wenyi (left) and Cai Zhengren from Shanghai also play leading roles. Photo provided to China Daily

Taipei native Joseph Lin, producer of the show, has been working with Peking Opera troupes and Kunqu Opera troupes on the Chinese mainland for years. He says all of the 18 Kunqu Opera masters are national treasures. Most of them are over 70 years old and have left the stage for years, like Shen.

Liu Yilong, 75, from Shanghai Kunqu Opera Theater, is known for a minor role in The Peony Pavilion—that of Shi Dao Gu, a middle-aged Daoist abbess who helps Liu Mengmei dig up the grave of Du Liniang before Du is resurrected.

"It's my favorite role and I have performed it three times in my life. Despite the age difference, the woman loves Liu but she is willing to sacrifice her love to help him. Some have described The Peony Pavilion as the Romeo and Juliet of the East. I think The Peony Pavilion is unique and incomparable," says Liu.

Hou Shaokui, who came from Northern Kunqu Opera Theater, will perform the role of the judge of hell in the show. The 74-year-old actor is known for his wusheng roles (male roles with martial arts skills), although he has never performed the role before.

"It's very challenging since I have to memorize all the lyrics, tunes and movements within a short time. I felt like learning a whole new show again," he says. "This is a rare opportunity to have all the great Kunqu Opera actors perform in one show. It's a new peak in my career."