Kunqu Opera: Seeing the past life in this life

Author: Guo Chenzi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Even on the brightest stage, performing Kunqu Opera is wonderfully old-fashioned. Old people, old events, old moods, unfinished old affections. Charm and worries are all from long ago, sealed away, unchanged. A smile or a tear from several dynasties, centuries ago, are still understood today. Understanding, yet unable to console—too far apart, separated by countless years. The river of time lies across, with Kunqu Opera as the scenery on the other side. The river flows steadily, with no ferry boat. Only lingering on this shore, watching. Lost, wistful, confused—each past memory, though never met, feels strangely familiar. Familiar in dreams, yet unrecognized upon waking. Kunqu Opera is the past life seen in this life. Even on the brightest stage, performing Kunqu Opera is wonderfully old-fashioned. Old people, old events, old moods, unfinished old affections. Charm and worries are all from long ago, sealed away, unchanged. A smile or a tear from several dynasties, centuries ago, are still understood today. Understanding, yet unable to console—too far apart, separated by countless years. The river of time lies across, with Kunqu Opera as the scenery on the other side. The river flows steadily, with no ferry boat. Only lingering on this shore, watching. Lost, wistful, confused—each past memory, though never met, feels strangely familiar. Familiar in dreams, yet unrecognized upon waking. Kunqu Opera is the past life seen in this life.