牡丹亭
The play was originally written for staging as Kunqu opera, one of genres of traditional Chinese theatre arts. It was first performed in 1598 at the Pavilion of Prince Teng. With its sophisticated plot, magnificent dramatic structure and well-depicted characters, "The Peony Pavilion" has become the most popular play from the Ming dynasty and Du Liniang became one of the most representative women in ancient Chinese drama. Most audience and contemporary critics have a high estimation of the play. It has become one of the most classic in traditional Chinese theatre art, and Kun theatre troupes can not consider their repertoire complete without this play.