Kunqu Opera performance delights visitors at UN headquarters

UNITED NATIONS — A pop-up Kunqu performance, showcasing one of China's oldest surviving forms of opera, brought an unexpected burst of traditional Chinese culture to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Aug 4.

Presented by artists from the Zhejiang Jingkun Art Center, the performance drew curious UN staff and visitors, many of whom stopped to watch the centuries-old art form unfold in a public space within the complex. Some filmed the performance on their phones, while others stayed to learn more about the stories behind the scenes.

Adina Ghita, a judge at the United Nations Dispute Tribunal who recently began studying Chinese, said the performance left a strong impression despite her limited understanding of the dialogue.

"It's the second time I've seen one. It's wonderful. It's special. They are so graceful when they dance," she said. "I understand it's about a princess and a lady who embroiders, and I love the way they dance. I think it's very expressive."

Ghita said the visual storytelling made the performance easy to follow and enjoyable, adding that she hopes to see more traditional Chinese performing arts at the United Nations.

"I see a lot of Chinese movies, and there are those dances with long sleeves, like fire or like water. I'd like to see that," she said.