Paeons of praise for Peony

Peony Pavilion is one of the best-known works of Kunqu Opera and has been performed in venues ranging from Beijing's Imperial Granary to New York's Lincoln Center.

Peony Pavilion was influenced by Romance of the West Chamber, written by Yuan Dynasty playwright Wang Shifu (1260-1336), telling the story of two young lovers consummating their love without parental approval.

Now the Beifang Kunqu Opera Company has produced the play and will stage it at Poly Theater next week, kicking off the 2008 Beijing Drama and Dance Festival.