Chinese operas in tune with the youth

Younger generation finds that ancient art forms still resonate with their daily concerns and they appreciate them more in smaller theaters, Chen Nan reports.

Modernity need not be the enemy of tradition. In some ways it may even enhance it. Traditional works of literature, for instance, can be better presented by modern printing techniques. Likewise with stage plays. While some often lament that ancient Chinese art forms are under threat in the face of contemporary entertainment, there is an unmistakable surge in the popularity of ancient art among younger audiences attracted to the intimacy of small theaters.

Star Theater, a small theater in the capital with three performance spaces－each with a capacity of about 200 seats－is dedicated to presenting Chinese traditional operas. It hosts an annual Xiqu Opera Black Box Festival from Oct 21 to Dec 20. Xiqu means local opera. This year the festival focuses on Peking Opera.

Peking Opera, or jingju, has a history of more than 200 years and was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010. It brings together art forms such as singing, dancing, martial arts and acrobatics.