About this Course

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This course will focus on the historical and cultural background, literary aesthetics, music, and performance of Kunqu, China’s classical opera. After viewing the lecture videos presented by scholars and renowned maestros in the field of Kunqu, students’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese performing arts, classical literature and traditional culture will be enhanced.

Learner Career Outcomes

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started a new career after completing these courses

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got a tangible career benefit from this course

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Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

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Approx. 11 hours to complete

Suggested: 5 hours/week...

English

Subtitles: English, Chinese (Traditional)

Learner Career Outcomes

50%

started a new career after completing these courses

33%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Approx. 11 hours to complete

Suggested: 5 hours/week...

English

Subtitles: English, Chinese (Traditional)

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

1

1 hour to complete

An Introduction to the Beauty of Kunqu Opera

Welcome to The Beauty of Kunqu Opera! The following lecture videos will give you some ideas of the historical background and characteristics of Kunqu, China’s classical opera that originated more than 600 years ago and blossomed during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties (around 16th – 17th centuries). The introduction is followed by excerpts and analysis of The Peony Pavilion, Kunqu’s masterpiece. The poetic artistry shown in the arias, dialogues and dance movement of the characters exemplifies the aesthetic achievement of Kunqu.

5 videos (Total 45 min), 1 quiz

5 videos

1.1. A brief introduction to Kunqu4m

1.2. High points of Kunqu during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties4m

1.3. The socio-historical background of Kunqu in 16th- and 17th-century China6m

1.4.The Peony Pavilion, its poetry and performance20m

1.5. From page to stage: The Peony Pavilion as masterpiece8m

1 practice exercise

Week 120m

Week

2

1 hour to complete

The Beauty of Kunqu Music

Kunqu means music/song (qu) that originated from the district of Kunshan, Jiangsu province. The word itself shows the fundamental role played by music in this Chinese classical opera. This week, Prof. Lindy Li Mark from the California State University, East Bay will talk about the musical aspect of Kunqu. What are the musical features of Kunqu melodies? What is tune-type and what does a traditional score of Kunqu look like? How is the music of Kunqu different from that of the Western operas? What instruments are used in a Kunqu ensemble? Answers to these questions can be found in the lecture videos.

5 videos (Total 45 min), 1 quiz

5 videos

2.1. A brief introduction to Kunqu music5m

2.2. Musical features of Kunqu melodies8m

2.3. Analytical definition of tune-type: qupai18m

2.4. Contrasts between Western opera and Kunqu opera6m

2.5. Traditional instruments of Kunqu ensemble: changmian6m

1 practice exercise

Week 220m

Week

3

2 hours to complete

The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Male Role-Types

Just like other genres of Chinese opera, Kunqu has a broad range of role-types, such as male (sheng), female (dan), painted face (jing) and comic (chou). From this week on, legendary performing artists who have devoted their whole lives to Kunqu will talk about the role-types they specialize in and their facial makeup, costume, singing, speaking and movements. In addition, they will demonstrate some of the very important repertoires in Kunqu and share with us the characteristics of each of them. This week, Maestros Yue Meiti and Cai Zhengren will talk about one of the most important role-types of Kunqu, the male role-type. Classical plays such as The Jade Hairpin, The Shepherd, and The Palace of Eternal Life will be introduced as well.

6 videos (Total 85 min), 1 quiz

6 videos

3.1. Comparison between the young scholar and the official role-types10m

3.2.1. Singing and speaking of the young scholar role-type10m

3.2.2. Foot work and hand gestures of the young scholar role-type11m

3.2.3. Hand, eye,body, and step combined: "Repartee of Zithers", a scene from The Jade Hairpin16m

3.3. Demostration of the young official role-type: "Looking Homeward", a scene from The Shepherd15m

3.4. Demostration of the great official role-type: "Lamenting before the Statue", a scene from The Palace of Eternal Life19m

1 practice exercise

Week 316m

Week

4

2 hours to complete

The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Female Role-Type

The female role-type is another prominent role-type of Kunqu and can be divided into a number of subtypes. In this week lively lectures and demonstration by Maestros Zhang Jingxian (mature female), Zhang Jiqing (young noble lady), Liang Guyin (vivacious young female) and Wang Zhiquan (martial female) will show us the charisma of the diversified female characters on the Kunqu stage from Chinese classics such as The Lute, The Peony Pavilion and Journey to the West.

9 videos (Total 95 min), 1 quiz

9 videos

4.1.1. Categories of female role-types in Kunqu6m

4.2.1. Demonstration of the mature female role-type6m

4.3.1."Search for the Dream", a scene from The Peony Pavilion: imaging the romantic mindset of a young woman18m

4.3.2. "Search for the Dream", a scene from The Peony Pavilion: disappointment13m

4.4.1. Benefiting from many masters: Liang Guyin studies "Earthly Desires"6m

4.4.2. Focus on critical points: using eye movement and acting distracted as she recites15m

4.4.3. Pantomime, song, and dance combined: "counting arhats" and escaping down the mountain9m

4.5.1. Equal demands of singing and martial arts in “Borrowing the Plantain Leaf Magic Fan”, a scene from The Journey to the West8m

4.5.2. Innovation in the scene: "belly pain"9m

1 practice exercise

Week 416m

Week

5

1 hour to complete

The Art of Kunqu Performance: Integration of the Painted Face and Warrior Role-Types

The colorful and complex facial makeup of the painted face role-type is probably the most noticeable feature in the eyes of the audience. But what does facial makeup mean and how is it done? This week, Maestro Hou Shaokui will unfold the mysteries for us. He will also share with us his portrayal of Lord Guan, a well-known household character based on the most famous Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. What is more, this unique character combines the essence of both the painted face and warrior role-types.

5 videos (Total 51 min), 1 quiz

5 videos

5.1. Face paint patterns and costumes various painted face roles11m

5.2. Use of the beard and eyes in the enactment of Lord Guan11m

5.3. Importance of singing in "Into the Enemy Camp Alone"12m

5.4. Importance of speech and recitation6m

5.5. Movement and facial expression8m

1 practice exercise

Week 516m

Week

6

1 hour to complete

The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Comic Role-Type

When appreciating the well written script and the beautiful melody of Kunqu, sometimes audiences just want a good laugh in the theatre. This cannot be done without the contribution of the comic role-type. This week, Maestro Zhang Mingrong will explain the characteristics of the different subtypes of the comic role-type, namely young chou, fu chou and martial/acrobatic chou. From Maestro Zhang’s demonstration we will also see that mastering the comic role-type requires much more skill than just natural talent.

4 videos (Total 33 min), 1 quiz

4 videos

6.1. Categories of male comic role-types in Kunqu11m

6.2. Demonstration of two monks in "Escape from the Monastery" (young chou) and "Touring the Prayer Hall" (fu chou)7m

6.3. Acrobatic action with lyrical singing: "Shi Qian Steals the Armor"4m

6.4. Agility within logic and surprise: excerpt from "Shi Qian Steals the Armor"9m

1 practice exercise

Week 616m

Week

7

1 hour to complete

The New Aesthetics of Kunqu: Tradition and Modernity

Drawing examples from the production of The Peony Pavilion (Young Lover’s Edition) and The Jade Hairpin (New Edition), Prof. Kenneth Hsien-yung Pai will illustrate how Kunqu today can attract the younger generation by adding modern elements in stagecraft while preserving the basic aesthetics of Kunqu.

4 videos (Total 31 min), 1 quiz

4 videos

7.1. Kunqu and Chinese traditional aesthetics3m

7.2. The Young Lovers' Edition Peony Pavilion and The New Edition Jade Hairpin: connecting tradition and modernity8m

7.3. The Young Lovers' Edition Peony Pavilion: innovations in stagecraft9m

7.4. The New Edition Jade Hairpin: return to classicism, synthesis of graphic and calligraphic arts9m

1 practice exercise

Week 716m

Instructors

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?

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The Beauty of Kunqu Opera