Traditional Yunnan Opera performance [Photo/Kunming.cn]

Yunnan Opera performance with modern element [Photo/Yunnan.cn]

Compared with the other native operas, Yunnan Opera is developing well. However, statistics show that the number of Yunnan opera troupes has been decreasing in recent years.

Fewer and fewer people are going to see Yunnan Opera, according to Guo Weiping, director of Yunnan Opera Theater. "However, Yunnan Opera has a history of more than 200 years and it must be maintained," Guo added.

With the development of modern culture, very few young people understand or appreciate the traditional Yunnan Opera. "It's not because that Yunnan Opera is no longer attractive to young people. Young people don't choose to go because they are not used to seeing opera in the theatre," said Guo.

According to Guo, in recent years, Yunnan Opera Theatre has been trying to keep pace with the times. Modern Yunnan operas have received good responses. "We brought the subjects of modern lives into Yunnan Opera," said Guo.

Yunnan Opera evolved under the influence of other styles from the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Since 1976, Yunnan Opera has revived and developed. With the creation of new plays, Yunnan Opera is thriving again. There are now over 1,600 plays, of which 960 have been written down.