Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater of Jiangsu is formerly known as Shanghai Minfeng Su Opera Troupe which was founded in 1951 and was established in Suzhou in 1953.The Troupe was officially named Sukun Opera Troupe of Jiangsu in October 1956 and was renamed Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater of Jiangsu in November 2001. After decades of inheritance and practice, it has gradually perfected its own style and characteristics. By preserving the ancient traditions and pure features of Kunqu Opera, it has gained a unique position among all the Kunqu opera theaters across China. The theater has gained honorary titles like National Advanced Collective in Culture System, Provincial Collective Merit Citation, etc.
In the last few decades, the theater has groomed five generations of performers, numbering over a hundred, with Ji, Cheng, Hong, Yang and Zhen as the middle character of their stages names; and now the sixth generation is growing. Wang Fang gained ‘Plum Flower Award’ for Chinese Opera twice, Sheng Fengying, Yu Jiulin and Zhou Xuefeng are owners of ‘Plum Flower Award’. It has contributed to the salvaging, upholding and developing of the classical art form.
Young lovers’ editions The Peony Pavilion, China-Japan’s edition The Peony Pavilion, The Palace of Eternal Life, Beauty Xi Shi and The Palace of Eternal Life have been a sensational hit in Kunqu communities even cultural circles. In especial Young lovers’ editions The Peony Pavilion has become one of National Projects to the Distillation of the Stage Art in the year 2010-2011.
Suzhou Municipal Party Committee of the CPC and Municipal Government have attached great importance to Kunqu related work. Now, a brand new theater, which Suzhou government investing one hundred million, has been established. It has a profound cultural significance for Kunqu spreading; it will become a promotion platform to display Kunqu inheriting achievements and an international Kunqu base. Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater of Jiangsu will use this as a new start and opportunity for the inheritance of Kunqu opera.
Tel: 67533268
Address: No.9, Pingmen Xiaochangqiao Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Postal Code: 215003
The new theater is open to the public with no entry charge.
Opening Hours: 12:00-17:00 from Friday to Sunday. (The opening time will be extended to 20:0O if performances are being showed in the theater.)
Opening Spaces: the experience space on the first floor, the exhibition hall on the second floor and the Suzhou Kunqu School.