Veteran Kunqu Opera artist sings praises of spirited troupes

However, as one of the oldest Chinese operas, Kunqu was thought to be outdated and required patience to enjoy, especially among the young generations. From the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, with audience numbers falling and a shrinking market, many Kunqu troupes found it difficult to sell tickets and had to disband.

The Suzhou Kunqu Opera Troupe played for free at the time, but Wang and her colleagues found that the performers often outnumbered the audience.

"We all felt lost," she says. "As performers, we could face many difficulties but being ignored by the audience was the worst."

To make a living, Wang once worked part time at a wedding photography studio to help brides put on their makeup. But her enthusiasm for Kunqu made her quit the job that gave a monthly salary of 3,000 yuan ($464) and return to the troupe, which in 1995 could only give her 200 yuan a month.

"When I look back at those days, I understand that traditional art forms could only be revived if the country developed well," Wang says. "Only when the country is prosperous, can people's lives get better and they can spend more time on spiritual pursuits."

Kunqu was listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2001.With help from the provincial government and Suzhou's cultural, travel and information departments, Suzhou has provided free Kunqu performances for students since 2007. The artists have given performances to more than 400,000 students since then. They have also given lectures at local schools.

"Compared with the older generations, Kunqu is more acceptable to the young generations," says Wang. "Some students who listened to the lectures in school have become professional performers."

In recent years, Suzhou has established many Kunqu theaters for young performers to practice at and for travelers and locals to enjoy the art form. Skilled performers are also given the chance to participate in large shows.

"I believe the charm of Kunqu will never fade," Wang says. "Now, the country is paying more attention to the preservation and revival of traditional cultures."

She says more people appreciate the art form today and that the persistence of Kunqu troupes has helped.

Guo Jun contributed to the story.