In a recent cultural exchange, US multimedia artist and director Ben Fraternale and his team visited the ancient town of Zhujiajiao in Shanghai's Qingpu district. The crew captured the poetic essence of the Kunqu Opera Peony Pavilion amid the town's picturesque garden settings.

Renowned for his mastery of film photography, Fraternale previously worked on a Paris Olympics feature for Delta Air Lines. The timeless charm of traditional Chinese opera has now become the focus of his artistic vision.

In the tranquil setting of Kezhi Garden, Fraternale used his 8x10-inch Polaroid camera to capture the performance. As he adjusted the lens, he expressed admiration for Kunqu Opera's embodiment of Eastern aesthetics through its graceful movements and expressive vocals.

This photography project forms a key part of the exhibition series Shanghai Through the Polaroid Lens. It not only highlights the scenic charm of Zhujiajiao's water-town landscapes but also reflects on the contemporary relevance of traditional Chinese culture.

Fraternale plans to compile these moments into a bilingual documentary to be shared with global audiences on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, showcasing the cultural allure of Shanghai.

During the visit, he and his team will also document iconic Shanghai landmarks such as the Wukang Building and the Bund. Their work seeks to capture the city's unique blend of tradition and modernity, underscoring Shanghai's role as a cultural bridge between East and West.

Source: WeChat account of the information office of the Qingpu district people's government at "iloveqingpu"