On November 28, renowned writer, Pai Hsien-yung visited Nanjing University, and delivered a lecture on "'Journey to the West' of the Youth Edition of The Peony Pavilion" at Nanjing University Xianlin Campus.
In his lecture, Pai Hsien-yun recalled the remarkable 20-year journey of the youth edition of The Peony Pavilion, emphasizing its role in revitalizing Kunqu Opera and introducing it to audiences worldwide. Pai said that it was the unrelenting joint efforts of outstanding Kunqun Opera talents, scholars and industry professionals across the Taiwan Strait that made this work appreciated, understood and resonated greatly with audiences from different cultural backgrounds, making it a successful example of cultural exchange.
As one of the series of activities to celebrate the 110th anniversary of School of Liberal Arts, the lecture drew a large enthusiastic audience. In the interaction session, Pai answered questions about the stage aesthetics, the new repertoire and the future development of Kunqu Opera.
Pai stressed that saving and revitalizing the classical repertoire is a top priority. He expected that the Nanjing University Research Centre for the Inheritance and Development of Kunqu Opera would cultivate a new generation of artists and scholars, explore the new expression and development of Kunqu Opera in modern society, and promote its international dissemination, thus contributing to the innovative inheritance and development of this national art treasure in the new era.
