Humanities in Asia: Going Beyond Make-Do-the Reshaping of a Chinese Operatic Tradition in Taiwan

Kunqu, a 600-year-old form of Chinese opera known for its poetic lyrics and refined singing, was among the first Chinese art forms UNESCO recognized as a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" in 2001. The story of how Kunqu survived the political upheavals of the twentieth century runs not only through state-sponsored troupes in China but also through communities of devoted amateur singers, known as quyou (曲友), who carried the tradition to Taiwan. This talk follows these enthusiasts from their roots in Mainland China to their postwar lives in Taiwan, where they kept Kunqu alive through informal singing gatherings long before it was celebrated as world heritage. When cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait reopened, amateurs and professionals on both sides began collaborating on performances, training, preservation, and documentation, turning a private pastime into a shared project of heritage-making. Drawing on the experiences of Taiwan-based practitioners, the talk shows how this cross-strait collaboration reshaped Kunqu as a heritage for Sinophone audiences and how a common love for an art form built networks that reached beyond politics while still raising questions about cultural identity. Free lunch will be offered at this talk. Doors will open no sooner than 15 minutes before the start time. The Elliott School can coordinate with the university to reasonably accommodate most disabilities. If you need specific accommodations, please contact the Sigur Center at [email protected]. Requests should be made as soon as possible, but at least three days prior to the program to ensure accommodation.