Gifts of Art is pleased to present a free demonstration and performance in partnership with UMS and the Confucius Institute. Directed by Cai Shaohua, the Suzhou Kun Opera Theater of Jiangsu Province will conduct an artistic demonstration and plain clothes performance of kunqu – classical Chinese opera – at the U-M Health System, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of this 600 year old art form. Kunqu is known for its blending of dramatic literature, soulful singing and elegant dancing. The genre is now enjoying a revival, blending classical stories and performance practices with contemporary staging interpretations and technologies, similar to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new, yet authentic, interpretations of classical English plays. An exhibit of photographs of kunqu by Xu, Zengquan are on exhibit in the Gifts of Art Gallery – University Hospital Main Lobby, Floor 1 from August 20-October 8, 2012. View video excerpts from a 2008 production by the Suzhou Kun Opera on the UMS webpage under the Media tab. Ticketed performances by the group will be held at the U-M Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre on Sept. 28 and 29, 2012.