Admission to traditional opera performances at the Forbidden City is free — *The Legend of the White Snake* is now showing.

Text by Gao Wei-yi and Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

Both Kunqu Opera and Peking Opera have been recognized by UNESCO as “intangible cultural heritage of humanity.” The newly launched traditional opera *The Legend of the White Snake* under the “New Tunes of the Forbidden City” series is distinguished by its “co-presentation of Peking and Kunqu Operas,” showcasing the diverse styles of performers from different operatic traditions. Visitors can enjoy cultural relics from the Palace Museum collection such as *Evening Glow at Leifeng Pagoda*, from the *Ten Scenes of West Lake Album* by Ye Xiaoyan of the Song Dynasty, and *Jinshan Temple* from the *Sixteen Scenes of Panshan Album* by Yunxi of the Qing Dynasty, while also getting a glimpse of the full scope of *The Legend of the White Snake* opera performance. From now until September 21, the National Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company will perform free shows at the Forbidden City every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.

In this production of *The Legend of the White Snake*, the segment *Jinshan Temple* (Water Battle) is performed entirely in Kunqu Opera, while *Boating on the Lake and Borrowing an Umbrella* and *The Alms Bowl* are performed in Peking Opera. The segment *Broken Bridge* is presented in both Kunqu and Peking Opera versions at different time slots. The second highlight is the showcase of diverse styles by different performers: for the role of the White Snake, the opening performance (recorded session) specially features Wei Haimin, winner of the National Arts Award. She is then followed by Liu Haiyuan, known for her bright vocal style specializing in the Zhang (Junqiu) school, outstanding young dan actor Liu Jiahou, Chen Meilan who excels in both Peking and Kunqu styles, and Wang Yaoxing who specializes in the Cheng (Yanqiu) school. The martial scene *Jinshan Temple* is performed by young wudan actors Jiang Mengchun and Zhang Jialing. For the role of Xu Xian, the Peking Opera version is played by xiaosheng actors Wang Shengguang and Zhang Jialin, while internationally renowned Kunqu wensheng actor Wen Yuhang presents both Kunqu and Peking Opera styles.

In addition to the 12 performances of *The Legend of the White Snake*, the Forbidden City is also holding free lectures on Peking and Kunqu Opera and the literature of *The Legend of the White Snake* at 2:30 p.m. on July 8, July 29, August 12, and September 9 to complement the performances. Members of the public are welcome to attend.