Best bets

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Beijing Kunqu Opera－The Peony Pavilion

Date: June 4－7:30 pm

Venue: Zhengyici Theater

Price: 280-880 yuan

It is a play written by Tang Xianzu in the Ming Dynasty and first performed in 1598 at the Pavilion of Prince Teng. One of Tang's 'Four Dreams', it has traditionally been performed as a Kunqu opera, but Chuan and Gan opera versions also exist. It is by far the most popular play of the Ming Dynasty, and is the primary showcase of the guimendan role type. All Kun theater troupes include it in their repertoire. Recent adaptations have sought to inject new life into one of China's best-loved classical operas, though such efforts have met with opposition from the Kun opera traditionalists.