Students learn Kunqu skills during the event on Feb 19. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

Overseas students in Shanghai had the opportunity to experience the glamor of Kunqu Opera during Lantern Festival celebrations held on Feb 19.

Co-organized by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, the event gathered more than 60 students from 27 countries and regions who are studying at places including the Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai International Studies University and Shanghai University of Sport.

Excerpts from several famous Kunqu operas, such as The Drunken Beauty, Peony Pavilion and The Romance of West Chamber, were performed during the event. Artists also encouraged the students to don opera costumes and makeup in an interactive segment.

One of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera, Kunqu dominated Chinese theater from the 16th to 18th centuries.