Kunqu Opera’s ‘White Snake’ Wows Global Audiences

Ancient Folktale Meets Modern Stage Magic

Move over, Marvel – China's Kunqu Opera is serving supernatural storytelling with a 600-year legacy! The Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre's The Legend of the White Snake, a spellbinding romance between snake spirit Bai Suzhen and mortal Xu Xian, just bagged Best Production at the 2024 Asian Arts Awards in Edinburgh. Talk about #GlobalGoals!

Young performers revealed to CGTN how they're keeping this UNESCO-recognized art form fresh: \"We use subtle eye movements where others might go big,\" said one actor, comparing Kunqu's elegance to \"a TikTok dance challenge versus ballet.\"

From Beijing to Edinburgh

After slaying stages in Greece, Italy, and the UK, the troupe proved love stories transcend language barriers. One London audience member reportedly gasped: \"The costumes make Game of Thrones look basic!\"

While sticking to traditional instruments like the dizi flute, the team adds modern projections – think Spirited Away meets Ming Dynasty aesthetics.

Reference(s):

Opera Trails: 'The Legend of the White Snake' in Kunqu Opera

cgtn.com