Watch traditional opera for free at the Palace Museum – “The Legend of the White Snake” begins performances

By Gao Wei-yi and Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

Both Kunqu Opera and Peking Opera have been designated by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” The newly launched “New Tunes of the Palace Museum” traditional opera performance of “The Legend of the White Snake” features a key highlight: the “co-presentation of Peking and Kunqu operas,” showcasing the diverse styles of performers from different opera traditions. This allows audiences to appreciate cultural relics from the Palace Museum collection such as the “Ten Views of West Lake Album – Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow” by Ye Xiaoyan of the Song Dynasty, and “Sixteen Views of Panshan Album – Jinshan Temple” by Yunxi of the Qing Dynasty, while also gaining a glimpse of the full spectrum of “The Legend of the White Snake” opera performance. From now until September 21, performances will be held every Wednesday at 2:30 pm, free of charge, by the National Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company at the Palace Museum.

In this production of “The Legend of the White Snake,” the act “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 act “Broken Bridge” features both Kunqu and Peking Opera versions at different times. The second highlight is the showcase of diverse styles by various performers. For example, in the role of the White Snake, the first performance (recorded session) specially features Wei Haimin, recipient of the National Arts Award. Subsequent performances will star Liu Haiyuan, specializing in the Zhang (Junqiu) school with a bright vocal style; outstanding young dan performer Liu Jiahou; Chen Meilan, skilled in both roles; and Wang Yaoxing, focusing on the Cheng (Yanqiu) school. The martial scene “Jinshan Temple” is performed by young wudan actresses Jiang Mengchun and Zhang Jialing. The role of Xu Xian is played in the Peking Opera version by Xiaosheng actors Wang Shengguang and Zhang Jialin, while internationally renowned Kunqu actor Wen Yuhang will present both Kunqu and Peking Opera styles in different renditions.

In addition to the 12 performances of “The Legend of the White Snake,” to support the performance promotion, the Palace Museum will also host free lectures on Peking and Kunqu opera as well as the literary background of “The Legend of the White Snake” on July 8, July 29, August 12, and September 9 at 2:30 pm. Interested members of the public are welcome to attend.