Singing, dancing and acting to poetic works by masters of Ming and Qing dynasties, the Kunqu theater towers as the predominant dramatic force in China from the sixteenth century down to the present day. Indeed, with the libretti of most Kunqu plays so marked by poetic splendor, a Kunqu performance is often treasured by audiences not only as a riveting theater of singing and dancing, but also as a fine reading of high literature.

The performer of the Kunqu theater: a singer, dancer and actor - all three in one, is the pivotal element on the stage. All motions and emotions are expressed by the elaborately made up and resplendently robed actor through dancing, singing and acting against a stark background on a bare stage with minimum props.

A bamboo flute serves as the principal musical instrument; other wind and string instruments may be added to enhance the beauty of the music. A small drum and a pair of wooden clappers, two gongs and a pair of cymbals are all used to punctuate actions and emotions on stage.

This much revered and beloved 400-year-old theater that uniquely blends poetic eloquence, musical refinement and dramatic wonder has left its mark on hundreds of musical theaters in China, including the Beijing opera, its most prominent descendant.

From Kunqusociety.org

The pictures are from annual performance of the Kunqu Society in NY.