Kunqu, one of China's oldest forms of classical theatre, experienced a remarkable revival in the 21st century after facing near extinction by the end of the 20th century. Recognised by UNESCO in 2001 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Kunqu has reasserted its place as a cornerstone of China's cultural heritage and as a vital part of the global cultural landscape, blending centuries of tradition with modern performance practices.
Building on Ming’s background in theatre studies, particularly his doctoral dissertation analysing Kunqu productions from 2001 to 2015, this project expands the research to 2025. It explores how Kunqu has been reimagined for contemporary audiences, remodelled to address evolving socio-political narratives, and re-enacted through innovative performances that incorporate traditional techniques. By examining Kunqu's transformation through productions over this extended period, the research will contribute to understanding how it functions both as a national treasure and within the broader framework of global intangible heritage.
This production-based analysis sets Ming’s work apart from previous research, often conducted by scholars from non-theatre disciplines. At the same time, the interdisciplinary approach of this project—incorporating insights from cultural heritage, socio-political studies, and identity formation—enriches the analysis beyond a purely theatrical perspective, offering a more holistic understanding of Kunqu's evolving roles.
Aligned with the goals of the Asian Heritages cluster at IIAS, Ming’s project engages with key discussions in heritage preservation, identity formation, and cultural diplomacy, emphasising Kunqu's influence on shaping both national and international cultural narratives.
Despite significant scholarship on Kunqu's classical roots and its artistic legacy, there remains a gap in understanding how Kunqu has evolved since its UNESCO designation, particularly in relation to its contemporary socio-political roles. Much of the previous research on Kunqu's status as intangible cultural heritage has been theoretical or conducted by non-theatre specialists, leaving the crucial role of productions and performance techniques underexplored.
This project builds upon Ming’s dissertation, which focused on Kunqu productions between 2001 and 2015, examining the balance of traditional inheritance and creative innovation. Expanding this analysis through 2025, the research will investigate how Kunqu is reimagined as a national cultural symbol and remodelled to reflect China's contemporary socio-political dynamics. This research also proposes a new framework for understanding the changing aesthetics of Kunqu within the broader discourse of heritage preservation.
Through this interdisciplinary lens, the project contributes to bridging the gap between theory and practice by integrating production-based analysis with broader socio-political and cultural heritage discourses. This project will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how Kunqu's artistic and socio-political roles have been reshaped and re-envisioned for contemporary contexts, offering new insights into the preservation and adaptation of intangible cultural heritage.
While Kunqu's foundation is rooted in theatre, its revival intersects with several other fields, including cultural heritage preservation, political science, and identity formation. By examining how Kunqu has been reimagined and remodelled to align with China's national narratives and cultural diplomacy, this project offers a unique production-based analysis of an art form that is also deeply intertwined with socio-political issues.
The project's trans-regional dimension lies in Kunqu's increasing global presence, as performances and international collaborations have expanded its influence. By analysing how Kunqu productions are adapted for international audiences, the research will reveal how Chinese cultural heritage is transmitted and reimagined beyond China's borders. This cross-cultural aspect of Kunqu's development exemplifies the broader trans-regional themes explored by the Asian Heritages cluster at IIAS.