[Photo provided to China Daily]

Director Yong says: "The scripts written by Yisushe in its history were realistic and mirrored social issues and traditional Chinese values. When we stage those works for contemporary audiences, we keep the core of Qinqiang Opera, which still works and resonates."

He adds that the art troupe is now enjoying popularity beyond Northwest China. Last year, for example, it performed at Tsinghua University in Beijing with four full-house performances.

Every year, Yisushe presents around 150 shows in the northwestern regions. About half are staged at universities and high schools to attract young audiences.

The arts troupe has also had a training school since 1912. According to Yong, thousands of students have graduated from the school and worked in Qinqiang Opera troupes around the country.

Now, Yisushe has more than 90 actors, and last year around 20 new graduates with an average age of 21 joined the troupe.