The last days of Chinese opera
A beautiful and rich art form struggles to endure the changing tastes of modern times
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.
(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.
(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.
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Lin Lijuan prays in front of Buddha statues during a ritual before the group's performance.
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Lin Lijuan displays old pictures of herself in costume.
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Yi Lezhong, 65, smokes during a break backstage at the Dongyue Temple.
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Wu Yonghong, 26, prepares backstage before performing.
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Actors apply makeup before a performance for villagers at the Dongyue Temple on May 3.
(Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Lin Lijuan performs for villagers at the Dongyue Temple on May 3.
(Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Yi Lezhong, 65, sleeps backstage during a performance.
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Actors at the Dongyue Temple on May 2.
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Wang Zhiwen, 69, waits backstage during a performance for villagers on May 3.
(Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Wu Yonghong performs at the Dongyue Temple on May 2.
(Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Local villagers watch the Jinyuan Opera Company on May 2.
(Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
