Kunqu Opera, one of the oldest genre of opera in the world, will
be protected by regulations in Suzhou, where the delicate art form
originated more than 500 years ago.
The regulations will be the first of its kind made by a local
government aiming to preserve a special genre of intangible
cultural heritage in China. A draft regulations is awaiting
approval by the city's legislature and is expected to be enacted by
the end of this year.
To retain the originality of the century-old opera, Suzhou's
regulations will both protect the performing art of Kunqu, the
arrangement of stage, Kunqu's unique singing skills, and objects
relating to the performance of Kunqu Opera, including costumes,
musical instruments, props, important literature and
localities.
The regulations also define the city government's responsibility
to promote Kunqu Opera in schools and universities, so as to
cultivate a young generation of Kunqu audiences.
Basic knowledge about the opera will be taught in elementary and
secondary schools, while art schools and universities will open
classes for young Kunqu fans.
In addition, the government is obliged to develop a favorable
environment for Kunqu's revival by setting up special funds,
arranging performances, and hosting cultural exchanges activities
for the opera.
Dubbed as "the mother of 100 operas", Kunqu is known for its
superb artistry. It is performed in the local dialect of Kunshan in
eastern China and was especially favored by feudal nobles in Qing
Dynasty (1644-1911).
However, the opera has been in decline in the 20th century
upheaval, when China was jolted by the Japanese invasion and
domestic war. During the cultural revolution, Kunqu was regarded
one of the symbols of feudalism and barred from stages.
In 2001, Kunqu opera was listed a "masterpiece of oral and
intangible heritage of humanity" by the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The Chinese government initiated a program to rescue and
rejuvenate Kunqu Opera in 2005, planning to allocate 10 million
yuan (1.25 U.S. dollars) a year to eight major Kunqu Opera troupes
in China from 2005 to 2009.
(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2006)
