Traditional Chinese operas take comedy route to woo audiences

Speaking about his role, Shao, who plays the husband in the play, says: "The story of Shi Hou Ji is well known in China, but when I read the original script by the Ming Dynasty writer, I was amused by the lines, especially the portrayal of the timid husband and how he tried to lie to his wife after he got drunk."

Shao, 48, was enrolled to study Kunqu Opera in 1982 at Beijing Opera and Arts College when he was 11 years old. And in 1988, he started working with the Northern Kunqu Opera Theater.

Recalling why he was drawn to the art form, he says: "Kunqu Opera is known for its smooth and soft singing. And the roles are usually elegant and sentimental. But when it comes to comedy, the art form shows a fresh side. It's rare and interesting."

The 200-year-old Peking Opera, like Kunqu Opera, is typically considered serious and old-fashioned. But with a comedy, entitled Chun Cao Chuang Tang, actors of the China National Peking Opera Company tell the story of a brave servant girl, named Chun Cao, who battles an irresponsible official with her wisdom.

According to actress Zhang Jiachun, who plays the role of Chun Cao in the play, the comedy premiered by the CNPOC in 1963, is still one of the most famous comedies of the company. Zhang's teacher, Liu Changyu, played the role of Chun Cao in 1963.

Zhang graduated from the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts and started learning with her master, Liu, in 2012.

"The character Chun Cao is always well received by the audience. And we've frequently revised and staged the play around the country for the past five decades," Zhang says.

When it comes to female comedians in China, there is no one to match the late actress Zhao Lirong (1928-2000), who was a famous Pingju Opera actress. And she, along with other Pingju Opera artists, such as actress Xin Fengxia (1927-98), is credited with popularizing the art form, which is popular in northern China.