Contemporary audiences
At the Imperial Granary, subtitles for the lyrics and dialogue are displayed on screens in both English and Chinese. Some phrases are annotated.
Wang explained that literature is a main focus in this art form. The lyrics resemble poems from the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Without a background in literature, it might be difficult to understand. Subtitles thus guide contemporary audiences. The length of the stories was shortened to eight scenes, in a 90-minute performance.
With many productions coming out in recent years, necessary changes have been made in each production. Traditionally, Kunqu Opera follows a slow pace, unappealing to younger audiences. In A Dream of Red Mansions, stagnant scenes were taken out to suit a younger audience's tastes.
But Cao emphasized that the singing and music style are fundamentals of Kunqu Opera and should never be changed. According to Cao, artists have different ideas when it comes to innovating a traditional art form. Some may be more conservative while others push boundaries. Regardless, both sides search for new possibilities in reviving the art.
Limitless art
Wang said that during the last century when Western dramas were dominated by realism and naturalism, Peking Opera performer Mei Lanfang's tour in the US and the former Soviet Union was seen as fresh. With the development of various dramas in Western countries, a successful show resulted from the combination of multiple qualities, including performance, music, dance, stage design, costume design and props.
For Wang, the decline of traditional Chinese opera is not due to an unsupportive audinece base. High quality art survives, as art is a universal language. After taking his show abroad, Wang's found that there were always teary audience members at the end of the show.
"Art speaks to the heart. Beneath the glorious stage design and costume, the content must touch audiences," said Wang.
Xu Chunlan, the director of Kunqu Opera A Dream of Red Mansions, told Global Times that she has similar experiences of receiving appreciation in foreign countries.
Although the number of Kunqu Opera fans is growing, there is a limited number of young people who want to work in this field. Xu said the financial kickback for Kunqu Opera performers is low. In a competitive performing market, the future development and preservation of this precious art needs increased financial backing and support from society.
Editor: Shi Liwei
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