Dates/Times/Venue/Location
Thur 07 May @ 6:30pm, BUBBLE - Brighton
Sat 09 May @ 3:30pm, BUBBLE - Brighton
Thur 14 May @ 6:30pm, BUBBLE - Brighton
Sat 16 May @ 3:30pm, BUBBLE - Brighton
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.
Don't miss Kunqu Opera workshop on Thursday and Sunday mornings to get a taste and understanding before the performances!
Running time: 45min
Suitable for All Ages
Warnings: N/A
REVIEWS
TBC
CREATIVES
Directed by Wanjin Li
Produced by Ruizhe Wang
Composition by Yuxiao Chen
Translated by Dylan K Wang
Presented by Jingkun Chinese Arts
CAST:
Wanjin Li as Chunxiang
Songyuan He as Chen Zuiliang
Lil Soap as Du Liniang
CREW:
Assistant Producer: Qingyang Hu
Company website: www.jingkunchina.org.uk
