Events for 12 May 2026

07/05/2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm 09/05/2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm 14/05/2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm 16/05/2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Chunxiang's Schoolroom Prank | Rooted in one of the earliest surviving versions of this beloved comic episode, Chunxiang’s Schoolroom Prank offers a vibrant revival of classical (Chinese opera) Kunqu humour. Our reconstruction respects the elegant musicality and poetic wit of the original script, while shaping it into a fresh theatrical language that speaks directly to contemporary audiences. Cheeky, clever Chunxiang turns a strict schoolroom upside down with quick timing, lyrical banter and playful chaos. The production features the refined artistry of male dan performance — a classical cross-gender tradition — adding expressive nuance and a unique layer of theatrical beauty. Together, the ensemble creates a lively blend of movement, comedy and musical rhythm rarely seen on the modern stage. Performed in a traditional Chinese operatic vocal style with Chinese and English surtitles, the work offers an inviting introduction to the grace, humour and expressive physicality of Kunqu. Whether you are encountering Chinese opera for the first time or returning as an enthusiast, this joyful reimagining provides a colourful, accessible and delightfully mischievous window into one of the world’s oldest operatic traditions.

07/05/2026 11:00am - 12:00pm 10/05/2026 10:30am - 12:00pm 14/05/2026 11am - 12:30pm 17/05/2026 10:30am - 12:00pm Discover Kunqu | Discover the elegance and vitality of Kunqu (Chinese Opera) through two uniquely themed workshops inspired by our productions The Covetousness and Chunxiang’s Schoolroom Prank. Each session opens a window into the poetic world of classical Chinese opera, inviting participants to step directly into the artistry of its characters. Guided by professional performers, you will learn the essentials of Kunqu make-up—painting delicate lines, shaping colours, and creating expressive operatic faces. You will then explore signature movements from different role types, from the refined grace of the dan roles to the bold physicality of the hualian. Every gesture carries rhythm; every step holds a story. Perfect for newcomers and curious learners, the workshop offers a gentle, engaging introduction to one of the world’s oldest performance traditions. All instruction is delivered in English, with hands-on participation throughout. Whether paired with the performances or enjoyed on its own, this workshop offers a rare chance to experience Kunqu from the inside—both as an art form and a living tradition.

08/05/2026 5.00pm - 6pm 10/05/2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm 15/05/2026 5pm - 6pm 17/05/2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm   The Covetousness is a rare treasure of Kunqu (Chinese Opera), revived from a little-performed scene in The Nanke Dream, one of the most celebrated classical plays of the Ming dynasty. Nearly lost to time, the piece survived only through fragmentary manuscripts and scattered oral accounts. Our team spent months researching surviving scores and archival traces to reconstruct the work with rigorous historical care and reimagine it with a vivid contemporary theatrical language. Following its 2025 appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this revival continues its international tour. Set in a dreamlike world where loyalty collides with destiny, the story unfolds through striking physical movement, expressive gesture and rich musicality. Performed by a Huadan (female warrior role) and Hualian (painted-face male role), it presents an unusual and compelling pairing seldom seen in today’s Chinese opera. Performed in a traditional Chinese operatic vocal style with Chinese and English surtitles, the piece blends traditional operatic singing with clear, modern staging. Whether you are discovering Chinese opera for the first time or returning as a long-time admirer, this is a visually captivating and accessible introduction to one […]