For hundreds of years, Pan's Chinese name was the equivalent of a "morally-depraved and murderous woman", but Wang Yueyang, the playwright of this new Kunqu play, believes that "although her sins are beyond forgiveness, her plight must be viewed sympathetically".

Speaking about how he sees her, he says: "Today, we view her fate with tolerance and look at things from her point of view - she is just an unfortunate woman in pursuit of love."

Liang Guyin of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Theatre is best known for her portrayal of Pan. The 77-year-old artist was first trained for this role when she was just 14.

Recalling how she was picked for the part, she says: "Jiao Huang, a renowned theater artist, visited our school one day and watched us rehearsing. And he commented that 'this girl is a natural-born Pan Jinlian'.

"I was offended at that time. But many years later I realized that it was indeed high praise."

Liang will present her production of The Story of Golden Lotus which she describes as one of the most important plays in the repertoire of the Liang school of Kunqu on March 31.

Liang's disciple Lyu Jia will take the lead role in the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theatre production.

Speaking of her role, Lyu says: "As a new generation of Liang school artists, it is my mission to keep the play alive and popular."