The Kunqu advocate

In order to better appeal to audiences, Kunqu artists in China tried speeding up the rhythm and adding new instruments to the performances. None of these helped either.

After having performed Kunqu for 30 years, Zhang realizes that those attempts to change the art form were somewhat naive, because the style and aesthetics are the very core of Kunqu Opera.

Today, he has adopted a more relaxed attitude toward criticism. If ever faced with the same complaint that Kunqu is too boring to watch, Zhang's response would not be to change the art form, but to suggest a change in perspective.

"With urban life being so intense and full of anxiety, isn't it a beautiful experience if someone could catch a few minutes of sleep by listening to Kunqu?" said Zhang.

In 2007, Zhang quit his job as the deputy director of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe because he was disappointed with the administration for not providing sufficient support and guidance.

Determined to explore a new way to achieve the sustainable development of Kunqu Opera, he founded Zhang Jun Kunqu Opera Art Center two years later.

The center's production of Peony Pavilion, considered the most beloved Kunqu repertoire, has since been performed 220 times in a vintage garden in Zhujiajiao, located in suburban Shanghai's Qingpu district.