Younger generations keep live shows in demand

Tang Yuqing, 19, a college student in Beijing, says she watches ballet, drama or musicals about five times a month. Each ticket costs her from 100 to 300 yuan. Her favorites include French musical Mozart-L'opera Rock and the play adapted from Eileen Chang's novel The Golden Cangue.

"Watching live performances gives a more immersive experience than TV or the internet. Observing the details of onstage performances is fun. And it makes me feel relaxed by becoming part of the audience atmosphere," she says, adding that she thinks it's a waste not to visit a theater when Beijing provides much more resources than her hometown.

Tang also says part of the reason for students like her who enjoy shows is that they have more free time and are yet to shoulder the pressures of life.

Wu Di, 22, who studies anthropology in London, says she now watches musicals about twice a month. Each ticket costs about 20 to 30 pounds ($24 to $36) on discount. At first she used to follow actors or scripts that she liked when selecting plays. Now, her interest has grown and she has watched nearly 20 plays in the city, including Les Miserables, The Phantom Of the Opera and Notre-Dame de Paris.

"It's kind of local life to watch live performances, when over 100 plays will be performed every night," she says. "The songs are pleasing to hear. The stage is beautifully decorated. The stories convey something good about humanity. It's also a social activity for me and my friends to watch and discuss together."