There is a good reason why Kunju, or Kun Opera, tends to run on for days: it just keeps getting better and better as the drama unfolds.
I once sat through a three-day-long piece - The Peony Pavilion - in Shanghai (with breaks in-between, of course) and it was an eye-opening and exhilarating experience.
Jiangsu Kun Opera's The Palace of Eternal Youth, which was a presentation at the 2004 session of the World Heritage Committee of Unesco, is expected to be quite a feast, too.
Directed by Gu Duhuang and with costumes and stage designed by Oscar-winning art director Tim Yip, this production features two 'first rank' actors, Wang Fang and Zhao Wenlin, in the leads. The Palace is a love story focusing on the relationship between Emperor Xuan Zong (Zhao) of the Tang dynasty and his concubine, the lady Yang Yuhuan (Wang).
Having pledged their everlasting love, the emperor neglects his imperial duties in favour of the lady's company, causing social unrest and discontent. And, like in any other Chinese opera, the course of true love never runs smoothly, as during the ensuing military revolt Lady Yang is forced to commit suicide by the military, who blame her for corrupting the emperor.
Those who've not seen a Kunju before may need a little time to get used to the singing style. But when compared with other forms of Chinese operas - either of the Beijing or Cantonese variety - Kunju tones are said to be more melodic.