Kunqu opera which is called as Kunqu drama or Kunqu tune is with over 600 years history now. It is one of the oldest dramas of China, as well as one of the treasures of Chinese traditional arts. Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe which is one of the seven large Kunqu opera troupes of China is located in Chenzhou city. Kunqu is a hot topic for the selection of ten cultural symbols of Chenzhou city.

On last March 3, Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe performed “Peony Pavilion” of Tianxiang version in National Grand Theater, which granted the audience with a great visual and audio feast. Audience was immersed into Du Liniang’s dream along with the elegant tunes of the actors.

It was introduced that Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe was established in 1960. It was used to be called as Chenzhou Regional Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe, and was changed to be Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe in 1964. Currently, there are over 100 staffs available in the troupe, 3 of whom were awarded with “plum blossom award” and about 40 of whom were awarded with different level rewards. The first traditional opera graduate of Hunan province was cultivated by the troupe as well.
Luo Yan who is the Director of the troupe said we are proud and are blessed to carry forward the traditional and valuable Kunqu opera in Chenzhou city. Kunqu opera is confirmed as the world’s intangible cultural heritage by the United Nations in 2001.

Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe presented performances nationwide. It will perform the show in Edinburgh, UK in this August as well.

Hunan Kunqu opera was greatly influenced by local culture after hundreds years development in Chenzhou city. It becomes lighter and brighter with the nutrition of Chenzhou landscapes. There is routine performance presented by the troupe in Chenzhou city every Saturday, 8pm.

Citizen A: I consider Hunan Kunqu opera can be the presentative of Chenzhou cultural symbol for it is an elegant art as well as one of the world’s intangible cultural heritages.

Citizen B: Kunqu opera which was introduced from Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas is being bonded well with Chenzhou local cultures and is being improved with the feature of Hunan Kunqu opera. It can well indicate the spirit of Hunan culture.