The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) presents the two inaugural performances of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe in Greece.
China's myths, legends and stories come to life on the stage of the Stavros Niarchos Hall at the Greek National Opera through the traditional Kunqu Opera, which combines elements of theater, opera, dance, poetry and music alongside with splendid costumes, creating a special aesthetic result and an experience for the whole family.
A journey to the Chinese tradition and mythology, through an art form, which has more than half a millennium of history and evolution and has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the Oral & Intangible Heritage of Humanity and a team of extraordinary artists of global reputation.
There will be two free-entry performances and one third only for registered members of SNFCF.
On August 31st at 9pm, The Myth of the White Snake will take us to a mythical era with a story that involves mortals, gods and demons around the eternal matter of love.
A day later, on September 1, at 21.30, we will have the opportunity to get in touch with the Chinese tradition, through China's Legends & Stories: The Crossroads, Zhong Kui marries his sister, Magic Fenally and Dream in the Garden. The first story tells the adventures of a general, the second relates to a promise that has been given and exceeds the limit of life and death, the third describes the efforts of a Chinese monk to complete his journey, and the latter deals with freedom and dream.
On August 29, the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe will present its inaugural show in Greece exclusively for the Members of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
PRE-REGISTRATION FOR THE SNFCC MEMBERS
The entrance is free, with online pre-registration through the following links:
29/08 - 21:00: Myth of the White Snake - For the SNFCC Members
31/08 - 21:00: Myth of the White Snake
01/09 - 21.30: Legends & Stories of China
The performances will take place in Chinese with English and Greek subtitles.
These performances, as well as the SNFCC programming, will take place for free through the exclusive donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (ISN).
These performances are part of the Year of Cultural Exchanges and Cooperation between Greece and China 2017 and are under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Chinese Ministry of Culture.
More information about shows:
The Myth of the White SnakeONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION
A classic Chinese myth about transformation, with deities, demons and mortals struggling with what is forbidden in love, and what is not.
A powerful white snake demon transforms into a beautiful woman, who finally finds true love in the face of the mortal man, Xu Xian, at the Broken Bridge in West Lake in Hangzhou, and then marries him. Between them, intervenes the monk Fa Hai and reveals to her husband her true identity testing the power of love in defeating all obstacles.
In Chinese with Greek and English subtitles
Legends & Tales of ChinaExcerpts from the traditional Kunquopera repertoire
ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION
China's myths, legends and stories come to life on the stage of the Stavros Niarchos Hall at the Greek National Opera, through the art of Kunqu opera, a historical performing tradition which incorporates elements of theatre, opera, dance, poetry, music and costumes of exceptional craftsmanship, offering the audience a uniquely memorable experience.
