Kunqu opera has seen its past lives in this life.

Author: Guo Chenzi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Even on the brightest stage, performing Kunqu Opera brings a beauty that is time-worn. Old people, old events, old moods, and unfinished old affections. Charm and (troubles) are all from long ago, preserved in dust, unchanged. A smile or a glance from several dynasties, centuries ago, is still understood today. Understanding, yet unable to console—too far apart, separated by countless years. A river of time lies across, with Kunqu Opera as the scenery on the other side. The river flows endlessly, without a ferry boat. Only lingering on this shore, watching. Lost, wistful, confused—each past memory, though never met, feels strangely familiar. Familiar in dreams, yet upon waking, they are no longer recognized. Kunqu Opera is the past life seen in this life. Even on the brightest stage, performing Kunqu Opera brings a beauty that is time-worn. Old people, old events, old moods, and unfinished old affections. Charm and (troubles) are all from long ago, preserved in dust, unchanged. A smile or a glance from several dynasties, centuries ago, is still understood today. Understanding, yet unable to console—too far apart, separated by countless years. A river of time lies across, with Kunqu Opera as the scenery on the other side. The river flows endlessly, without a ferry boat. Only lingering on this shore, watching. Lost, wistful, confused—each past memory, though never met, feels strangely familiar. Familiar in dreams, yet upon waking, they are no longer recognized. Kunqu Opera is the past life seen in this life.