Chinese Kunqu opera masterpiece "The Peony Pavilion" (the youth version) was put on stage in the country's prestigious Peking University from Saturday to Monday, to mark the 20th anniversary performance of its debut.
Kunqu Opera, one of the oldest forms of opera in China with a history of hundreds of years, was placed on the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2001.
Written by Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu (1550-1616) of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), "The Peony Pavilion" tells the story of the romance between a daughter of a wealthy official and a talented but poor young scholar.
The youth version of the opera on the other hand was created by Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater in east China's Jiangsu Province and Taiwan's famous playwright Pai Hsien-yung. It has received great reactions across Taiwan.
Debuted in Taipei, China's Taiwan region, 20 years ago, the opera has toured at home and abroad for over 500 performances, attracting about one million audience members, with most being young people.
The youth version of "The Peony Pavilion" focuses on the inheritance and innovation of traditional culture, drawing an increasing number of young audience members into the theater.
"We respect the classics but do not adhere rigidly to them, and we utilize modern elements without abusing them. Our production maintains the traditional components while carefully infusing modern stage aesthetics into the classic framework, for a successful combination of the traditional and the contemporary," Pai said.
The combination of ancient and modern arts entertain the audience greatly and receive rounds of applause.
"After I entered high school, I watched online videos of the youth version of 'The Peony Pavilion' online and immediately fell in love with it. This sparked my desire to make classical opera a primary focus of my research. Now, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, I am deeply moved to witness the live performance of the original cast," said a Kunqu enthusiast named Ye Zi.
Youth version of "The Peony Pavilion" staged in Peking University to mark its 20th anniversary
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a non-binding resolution on Wednesday demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within the next 12 months by an overwhelming margin.
The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favor, 14 against and 43 abstentions, during the UNGA's 10th emergency special session considering Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The resolution demanding that Israel comply with all its legal obligations under international law, including advisory opinions by the International Court of Justice, was introduced by the State of Palestine on Tuesday and was co-sponsored by more than two dozen nations.
By the newly adopted resolution, the UNGA "demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution."
The UNGA also demands that Israel comply without delay with all its legal obligations under international law, including as stipulated by the International Court of Justice.
In remarks before the vote, Mohamed Issa Abushahab, the permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza must be addressed through unimpeded access to those in need, a ceasefire deal and the full implementation of all related Security Council resolutions.
A credible peace process must be relaunched to work towards a two-State solution to diffuse this conflict, he said, expressing support for the State of Palestine's full statehood and UN membership. "The time has come to end the suffering," he noted.
Introducing the draft resolution on Tuesday, Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, called for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He said the Palestinian people have been steadfast in the pursuit of their inalienable rights, just like all other citizens worldwide who seek self-determination.
"The Palestinians want to live, not survive -- they want to be safe in their homes, they want their children to go to school without fear. They want to be free in reality as they are in spirit," said Mansour.
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
