Pai said he sees this production as a high-level transmission of kunqu from one generation to the next in an environment that does not encourage it. "Teaching outside the troupe you are attached to is discouraged, and in any case, many of the masters see training young performers as something of a thankless task," Pai said.
In this production of The Peony Pavilion, Pai has sought to span both tradition and modernity. He insists that in many respects, his "youth edition" of The Peony Pavilion is extremely conservative in terms of presentation, abjuring ornate stage settings and lighting effects.
"We have used the technology of modern theater in moderation," he said, allowing the personalities of the singers to shine out in the full passion of their romantic involvement. "After all, it is a story about young love. It is something that young people should be able to enjoy," Pai said.
The packed audiences that have filled university lecture halls around the country when Pai has spoken about his new production over the last few weeks suggest that he has achieved his goal.
Performance notes:
What: The Peony Pavilion
Who: Kenneth Pai and the Suzhou Kun Opera
When: Book 1: April 29, May 1; Book 2: April 30, May 2; Book 3: May 1,2
Where: National Theater Taipei
Tickets: All sold out.
Other Events: A highlights performance of kunqu opera will be performed at the Metropolitan Hall tonight at
7:30pm; an international conference on The Peony Pavilion will take place at the International Conference Center on April 27, April 28.
Detailed information about the conference is available at the Academia Sinica Web site www.litphil.sinica.edu.tw
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