Old operas and young hearts

Two master performers of Kunqu and Peking operas will sing their hearts out this weekend in special Lunar New Year's performances that highlight traditional theater for the young.

Keeping traditional Chinese opera alive and appealing to younger audiences is a never-ending challenge in the face of fast-paced modern entertainment, talent shows and pop music. Kunqu and Peking opera highlights are on tap this weekend.

Both entertainment groups and artists themselves are trying to innovate and expand the appeal of the ancient theatrical art forms. Long, drawn-out stories are shortened and new elements - both thematic and choreographic - are added to attract young people accustomed to fast-food entertainment.

Since last April, the Shanghai Media Group has been preserving valuable audio-visual recordings of 30 Yueju Opera masters and 32 musicians from old videotapes and floppy disks and transferring them to DVDs.

The recordings span 80 years, covering stage performances and interviews. Some are black and white silent video clips.

"This is an important campaign to prevent traditional art forms from fading into history," says Yuan Xuefen, a famous Yueju Opera performer.

According to SMG's program materials center, the digital copies will be used for research and screened to increase public awareness.

Popular entertainment shows also have kept alive the spirit of opera. Two TV programs "Kefan Hours," an interview show hosted by Cao Kefan, and "Yueju Opera Young Actors TV Challenge Tournament" were honored at the 20th Chinese TV Entertainment Star Lighting Awards.

Opera producers are being encouraged to preserve tradition while adding modern elements, like dramatic stage settings and lighting, to interest young people and help revive old arts.

Over this weekend, fans of traditional Chinese opera can enjoy two performances featuring veteran singers and their young apprentices.