Kunqu Opera explores love with a twist

Under the tutelage of a noted Hong Kong film director, a Kunqu opera of an ancient Chinese lesbian story will be staged next month in the capital.

The opera, Lianxiangban - or Cherishing the Fragrant Companion - will be performed during the 10th Beijing International Art Week, which falls on April 30 to May 28.

The opera was written by Li Yu (1610-1680), a playwright and poet of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).