[Photo provided to China Daily]

Chen Chaowu, a 47-year-old Qinqiang Opera actor and the deputy director of Yisushe, plays the role of Liu Tiansu, which is based on Liu Zhensu and Wang Tianmin, two famous performers of nan dan (male actors playing female roles).

"Both the nan dan actors have been compared to Mei Lanfang, one of the most famous Peking Opera artists. They were not only respected for their art but also for taking social responsibility," says Chen.

Chen was born in Zhouzhi county, Shaanxi province and joined in Yisushe in 1991 after graduating from a local art school at 22. He had been introduced to Qinqiang Opera as a child by his grandfather, a big fan of the folk art, who often took Chen to watch Qinqiang shows. Attracted by the martial arts, Chen started learning Qinqiang Opera at 13, specializing in xiaosheng (a young male role).

"It is the first time for me to play nan dan, which is very challenging," says Chen, who took months to learn it with the troupe.

"I have been performing Qinqiang Opera for around 30 years and what fascinates me is that there is always more to learn. It's like wine, the more you taste, the more you want."