The last days of Chinese opera

A beautiful and rich art form struggles to endure the changing tastes of modern times

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Chinese opera performer.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Lin Lijuan and husband Wang Zhiwen, both 69, of the Jinyuan Opera Company, perform for villagers at the Dongyue Temple on May 3, 2016, in Cangshan, Sichuan province, China.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)Today's performances still showcase the joys and challenges of daily life in rural China with tales of love, tradition, and family honor that are often told with hu)

Fake beards hang backstage during a performance.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)Fifty years ago, Sichuan opera suffered a troubling setback, along with most of China's diverse art, with the advent of Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong's Cultur)

Opera performers walk during a prayer ritual before the group's show at the Dongyue Temple on May 2, 2016, in Cangshan, Sichuan province, China.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Lin Lijuan prays in front of Buddha statues during a ritual before the group's performance.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Lin Lijuan displays old pictures of herself in costume.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Yi Lezhong, 65, smokes during a break backstage at the Dongyue Temple.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Wu Yonghong, 26, prepares backstage before performing.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Actors apply makeup before a performance for villagers at the Dongyue Temple on May 3.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Lin Lijuan performs for villagers at the Dongyue Temple on May 3.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Yi Lezhong, 65, sleeps backstage during a performance.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Actors at the Dongyue Temple on May 2.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Wang Zhiwen, 69, waits backstage during a performance for villagers on May 3.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Wu Yonghong performs at the Dongyue Temple on May 2.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Local villagers watch the Jinyuan Opera Company on May 2.
(Image credit: (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images))

Jackie Friedman
Jackie Friedman

Jackie Friedman is the assistant photo editor at TheWeek.com. She is a graduate of the photojournalism program at Kent State University and now lives in New York.