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The Institute for Chinese Studies will present a a lecture by Joseph Lam, University of Michigan, on Wednesday, September 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 010 Page Hall (registration required). Prof. Lam will present "'Taken Alive' ('Huozhuo'): A Kunqu Masterpiece for Chinese Ears, Eyes, and Hearts."
Abstract: Kunqu, a classical genre of Chinese opera, tells sensational stories with literary lyrics, flowing melodies, and elegant dances, entertaining its aficionados (quyou) in diverse ways and at multiple levels. A prime example is the “Taken Alive” (“Huozhuo”), a kunqu show that presents the ghost of a murdered woman returning to earth to take her living lover to the underworld. To tell such a dramatic story, the show presents suggestive lyrics, mesmerizing melodies/singing, and sensational dances of flirting and dying--tenderly she strangles him. As such, the show is haokan (intellectually and visually entertaining), haoting (sonically and performatively pleasurable), and youyisi (expressive and meaningful), aesthetic ideals that kunqu performers strive to achieve, and performance expressions that aficionados thoroughly critique. This talk discusses the masterpiece's multimedia and multivalent expressions and their reception by kunqu aficionados.
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