Two actors with the Huangpi Youth Chuju Opera Troupe put on their make up as an actress is all set for the stage.

They are watching a Chuju Opera performance. The Huangpi Youth Chuju Opera Troupe receives the same welcome wherever it goes in the rural areas of Hubei.

Chuju Opera is the only operatic tradition in this province. Based on folk stories and farmers' lives, most are satirical comedies.

Established in 1984, the self-financing troupe has won over the local farmers. It goes by the more popular name, "Troupe of Couples" given by fans who found that most of the singers were couples.

 
Chuju: a charming folk opera

The main roles in Chuju are played by the xiaodan (a young woman), xiaosheng (a handsome young man or scholar) and xiaochou (a comedian).

"Of the 17 singers in the troupe, 16 are husbands and wives," said Du Wenhua, 39, head of the troupe.

"All the 16 met each other here and later got married," Du said.

"As couples, we enjoy the opera together and look out for one another as we move from place to place."

On the move

However, these couples become misty-eyed when talking about their children, from whom they live separated nine months in a year.

"My two children stay with their grandparents because we have no time to take care of them. Sometimes when singing about family and children on stage, I cannot hold back my tears," said Zhang Jianqin.

Chang Guizhen, 39, is the only singer whose husband does not work with the troupe.

Chang Guizhen, 39, has worked with the troupe for 20 years.

 Chuju: a charming folk opera

"I love Chuju but I am worried it cannot be a lifetime job, so I got married to a man from outside our circle," said Chang, who has been with the troupe for more than 20 years.

Every year, from September to next May, the troupe put up more than 250 performances for farmers across the province.

Between June and August, they head back home to beat the unbearable heat of summer.

"While other families get together during the traditional holidays, we have to leave our families," the troupe head said.

"During Spring Festival last year in Xiaogan (of Hubei), we performed outdoors in spite of heavy snow and strong winds," he said. Even their stage was damaged, he added.

To cope with the huge holiday crowds, the troupe keeps moving from one township to another. "In order to save time, we often give three performances a day in one place. It is really exhausting," Du said.

The performers make do with whatever accommodation they can find and cook their own meals. "Sometimes, we live backstage but often we have to cram into the small houses of local farmers," Du said.

Despite the fact that the troupe seldom performs in big cities where fewer people like Chuju and can never be in the reckoning for any awards, the artists always take their work seriously.
Chuju: a charming folk opera

"Before every performance, we rehearse again and again until we are satisfied with every detail," Du said.

"Seeing so many people love this opera in the countryside, we feel happy no matter how tired we feel or what difficulties we face," said Zhang Jianqin.

In order to develop each person's potential and also to save money, all the members try to be versatile.

As head of the troupe Du handles a lot of the routine business. But he is also a leading actor.

"When I am done with my lead role in one play, I often switch to play some other supportive role," he said.

Ye Baonan, director of the troupes, said: "I also write plays and join the cast sometimes."

A dying tradition?

"Our earnings are based on how many performances we give each month," Du said.

The crew of Huangpi Youth Chuju Opera Troupe are middle-aged or above, just like their farmer audience in Central China's Hubei Province.

Chuju: a charming folk opera

When talking about the troupe's future, Du voiced his worries.

"Most of us are middle-aged, so it is not proper to call us a Youth Troupe," he said.

Not only the troupe, but the audience is also ageing. "Most of our fans are middle-aged and old people," he said, adding that nowadays very few youngsters are interested in Chuju Opera.

"Since we lack the funds, we have not been able to upgrade our facilities for many years," he said.

However, there is a small glimmer of hope in the form of Du's own children who are studying this opera at a local art school.