George Mason University's Center for the Arts

China's National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts will perform Highlights of Classical Chinese Theater, which includes excerpts from some of the most famous Peking and Kunqu Operas. Peking and Kunqu Opera are forms of traditional Chinese theater that combine music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics with vibrant makeup and costumes. Peking Opera has been performed for more than 200 years and Kunqu Opera, often called the mother of Chinese Opera, has been performed for more than 600 years. In 2001, UNESCO declared Kunqu Opera as a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity." This designation has helped to revive this valuable and endangered art form within China.

For more information call the Confucius Institute at 993-7780.

Prior to the concert at 6:15 pm in Harris Theater there will be a video on Chinese Opera.