Opera is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. However, it requires only an opportunity to awaken people's interest. A Yue Opera play titled New Dragon Gate Inn is just the opportunity.
As the play gains popularity, an actress, who plays the important supporting role of JiaTing, has become a star. Nicknamed the "Jade-faced Man", Jia's handsome appearance and attractive yet natural charm have got more attention.
Now the actress is sparking a Yue Opera fever in China. She says her profession is a combination of the charms of both genders while showing a mysterious sense of beauty.
Innovation(创新) may be an important reason for this play to be popular. Unlike traditional opera stage, the theater is like an inn. The audience sit close to the performers. They are guests in the inn, and sometimes, the performers interact with them. In some cases, the audience become part of the play. They immerse themselves in a unique and fascinating viewing experience. The idea of the stage seems to disappear. So does the distance between performers and the audience. The audience and performers are all part of the play.
This fresh, unusual viewing experience has drawn young people to the theater again and again. They really like it. The success of New Dragon Gate Inn comes not only from the charm of the work itself, but also from the cultural heritage. Through the play, more people have come to realize that Yue Opera can tap more opportunities for the future of Chinese traditional opera.
"Opera is absorbed in the DNA of the Chinese. After a small stone is cast, the DNA awakens. I hope I am that small stone," the actress said. "Today, we are putting in great efforts to make Yue Opera more popular with the younger generation. This is a positive step in the revival of this ancient art."
