The Kun Qu Opera originated in Kunshan, a city found in the region of Suzhou in southeast China, in the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries. With its roots in popular theatre, it evolved into a major theatrical form. This opera is one of the oldest traditional operas of the Han nationality, and it is also a beautiful classic of traditional culture and art. The Mother of Chinese opera, Kun Qu, has been in existence for more than 600 years. The form of art is considered to be the "ancestor" of Chinese musical theater. In addition to Peking Opera, which contains much Kun Qu repertoire, several other Chinese musical theater styles are closely associated with Kun Qu performances.
It is characterized by its dynamic structure, its melodies (Kunqiang), and to some extent, its classical compositions, notably the Hall of Longevity. They combine singing and recital as well as a complex system of choreographic techniques, as well as acrobatics and symbolic gestures. Various comic roles are performed by both male and female leads, as well as an old man. The Kun Qu opera is characterized by its use of bamboo flutes, small drums, wooden clappers, gongs, and cymbals, to punctuate actions and emotions. The Changqing is known for its virtuosity in rhythm and has had a considerable influence on more modern forms of Chinese opera such as the Sichuan and Beijing operas. The costumes for Kun Qu opera are particularly characterized by vibrant colors. The costumes of the Yuan and Ming dynasties are not the only ones that can be seen on the stage; you also often see other costumes that are similar to the very popular clothing and dresses of that period, such as the martial attires and clothes worn by officials of different positions and levels, etc.
The opera has deteriorated gradually since the eighteenth century because of the technical knowledge, as well as the high level of interest the audience requires from their opera performers. Only a few dozen of the 400 arias regularly sung in opera performances are still performed today. The Kun Qu opera continues to survive through the efforts of dedicated connoisseurs and various supporters, who continue to encourage a younger generation of performers to take up the opera. The Kunqu is professionally performed today in major Mainland Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, Chenzou, Yongjia County, and Hangzhou, as well as in Taiwan. Non-professional opera societies are active in many other cities in China, as well as abroad. Many plays continue to be performed today, including The Peony Pavilion and The Peach Blossom Fan, both of which were originally written for the Kun Qu stage.
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