Shen Yili

Shen Yili is a National Class One Performer specialising in guimendan roles (high born, unmarried female). A protégé of Wang Yingzhi, Shen also received coaching from Kunqu artists such as Zhang Jingxian and Zhang Xunpeng. Her repertoire includes the Kunqu classics The Peony Pavilion, The Palace of Eternal Life and A Pair of Purple Hairpins, as well as the contemporary experimental Kunqu operas Mourning and The Chairs. Shen is the recipient of a number of awards, including the 28th Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre and the 11th Shanghai Magnolia Award for Leading Role.