Yue Opera is one of the most popular Chinese operas, which is no small (achieve)when you consider that there are over 360 opera types in China. After all, there's nothing wrong with getting a silver medal! (originate) from Sheng County in the Shaoxing City of Zhejiang Province, it is sometimes referred to
simply as Shaoxing Opera. The name "Yue" is derived (源自) from the ancient State of Yue, which (rule) the region during the Spring and Autumn Period.
many styles of Chinese opera, it evolved from the conversations farmers would have and the folk songs they would sing when working. It became particularly popular with rural communities because of its lively romantic descriptions of normal daily life. Kind of like watching your favourite soap opera! During economic downturn, many farmers would turn to this folk art as a secondary job (increase) their income.
Initially, this style was performed only by male actors, but in the late 1920s an all-female troupe(剧团) (call) the Women's Refined Opera emerged. In a true demonstration (展现) of girl power, this troupe became popular that all-male troupes (replace) completely by all-female troupes during the 1930s and 1940s. It was around this time that the name "Yue Opera" was (formal) adopted.
