'A Bite of Peking Opera'

Another stage

When Shi started the cartoons, she was not sure whether they would be accepted. Questions arise as her work gets increasing exposure. Some wonder if it is appropriate for the elegant art form to appear in a lovable format to cater to a larger audience. Others suggest Shi may even be ruining it.

But to many, Shi has shown respect for the tradition by faithfully representing the stories, in spite of making the characters cute. "The classic is there without being changed," said Ling Ke, a Peking Opera actor with Tianjin Peking Opera Theater.

Ling said he was impressed by Shi's cartoons because she not only conveyed the spirit of the opera but also painted the costumes based on careful examination. "It is no exaggeration to say that she is performing Peking Opera on another stage," Ling said.

According to Shi, she researched every detail to create her cartoons. She watched videos and stills, read books and sometimes consulted Peking Opera professionals and theatergoers to avoid mistakes. Besides external decorations, a character's disposition also needs to be demonstrated, she said.

Shi's cartoons have removed many young people's misunderstanding about Peking Opera, Ling said. "They show that Peking Opera is not as sophisticated and serious as they thought and that it can be funny. It is impossible for most young people to spend much time learning to appreciate the art. Cartoons are a good start."

Shi will publish May I Tell You a Peking Opera Story?,the first cartoon book of its kind, early this year as many of her fans have suggested. The book will boast seven plays including Da Tan Er and Youlong Xifeng, Shi told the Global Times.

"It's a pity that many traditional arts have been pushed into a lofty position today. People's interest in the cartoons shows they are still interested in traditional culture," said Shi.