介绍:
Unlike the Peking Opera that originated in central China, Quju Opera is a native art form of Beijing.
Chinese literature giant Laoshe put an official name on this combination of different folk stage performances half a century ago.
Now the Beijing Quju Opera Troupe puts one of Laoshe's classics The Teahouse back on the stage to commemorate its 30th birthday.
Renowned Quju performer Zhang Shaorong plays the owner of the teahouse Wang Lifa, the character he played 15 years ago in a performance that won him a national opera award.
The veteran actor is looking both excited and nervous ahead of his appearance. After all, there are just few years left for him before retirement.
The play, The Teahouse written by Laoshe, is acclaimed as one of the most classic artistic reflections of Beijing's history over the past century.
Art director Sun Dongxing says Laoshe classics including the Teahouse will never lose their significance.
"His works will never be out of date and will always be accepted, because his works transcend time."
Quju Opera is the collective memory of the older generations of Beijing. It is comprised of lines with a strong local accent and tunes of monochord. It can easily bring audience back to old Beijing - its Hutongs, its clean but crowded streets and its carefree teahouses.
Troupe member Sun Ning, who is also one of the original cast members 15 years ago, says the art form is still relevant even today since it is so humble.
"Many youngsters say Quju is easier to understand. That is because it has fewer stylized lines. Also there are very minimum geographical or language limitations. Our audience in the south and in Taiwan says it is very easy to understand. It is safe to say more people are starting to like Quju."
Just as Sun Ning says, Quju still has a steady audience group including young people and non-locals.
"I started to like monochord when I was 15 or 16 years old which has made me like Quju ever since."
"I am from Hangzhou and I really enjoy the environment here."
"I guess people my age all like Quju. We have watched it many times since we were young."
"I love it so I often tell my children how good it is. You see today my son and daughter come with me."
Project manager Zhang Hanwen says they have been intentionally targeting young people to promote the show.
"We are doing a lot to bring Quju into schools. We are planning to distribute student gift cards to encourage them to bring parents to our opera house. We are doing this to make more young people like Quju."
While veteran actor Sun Ning says the fundamental way to keep its relevance is preserving its original flavor.
"The most important thing is not to lose the original taste and our specialties. Without the specialties, we cannot survive. Quju is heavily reliant on solid dialogues and singing. Without those things, we cannot compete with others. And of course more exposure is important."
With a number of traditional folk arts facing recruitment problems, veteran actor Zhang Shaorong says Quju does not have this problem at least for now.
"It is no doubt the future of Quju is in the hands of new recruits. They are all hardworking and creative. Many of them not from Beijing are still trying hard to learn the local dialect. I have faith in them. I believe they can carry on our mission after we retire."
While preserving traditional arts has been high on the Chinese government's agenda as well as other art patrons, at least for the Quju Opera, there is still a strong fan base and numerous potential talents to make it significant today.
For Studio+, I'm Li Ningjing.
