Kunqu, a genre of Chinese theatre, proclaimed as “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2001. It combines singing, dancing, acting to works of literary masters of Ming & Qing dynasties (16th -19th centuries).
Founded in 1988 and incorporated in 1989, the Kunqu Society is dedicated to the study, promotion and preservation of Kunqu. The Society has two sub-divisions to carry out the above missions: the New York Kunqu Troupe (NYKT), focuses on lectures, demonstrations and full-stage performances; the Kunqu Workshop focuses on teaching and studying the Kunqu art.