China's dramatic form developed among children

　 Kunqu Opera students Wu Lulu and Ji Xiaojun perform traditional Kunqu Opera "Peony Pavilion" in Kunshan, a city in east China"s Jiangsu province, July 28, 2010.(Xinhua/Li Xiaoguo)
　
　

　 Kunqu Opera student Wu Lulu performs traditional Kunqu Opera "Peony Pavilion" in Kunshan, a city in east China"s Jiangsu province, July 28, 2010. (Xinhua/Han Yuqing)


　
　

　 A Kunqu Opera student is dressed before her performance in Kunshan, a city in east China"s Jiangsu province, July 28, 2010. (Xinhua/Li Xiaoguo)
　
　

　 Two girls have their Kunqu Opera class in Kunshan, a city in east China"s Jiangsu province, July 28, 2010. (Xinhua/Han Yuqing)

Originated in Kunshan city, Kunqu Opera is one of China"s extant oldest dramatic forms. With a history of over 600 years, Kunqu Opera was listed as one of the "Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2001.

A unique synthesis of singing, dancing and acting, the art form has profound influence on many musical theaters in China, including Peking Opera. As the native place of Kunqu Opera, Kunshan developed the opera among children by launching classes, which became the cradles to cultivate the inheritors of the art form.