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CNN World Report

Peking Opera Experiences Renaissance

Aired June 24, 2001 - 14:48   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: In China, while an influx of modern and sophisticated forms of entertainment abound, an ancient form of art has found its way back.

SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: We take you to Beijing, where a group of young opera performers recently competed, and proved this 200-year-old art is here to stay.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

XUE JING, BEIJING TV REPORTER (voice-over): The China Peking opera competition for young performers was held recently in Beijing. The live TV broadcast drew high ratings, showing that the traditional opera is not about to disappear.

Peking opera evolved from several other local forms of opera more than 200 years ago. The quintessence of Chinese culture, it was once the dominant form of entertainment not only in its birthplace, Beijing, but throughout much of the nation. Over the past 20 years, new forms of entertainment have flooded into China.

Peking opera audiences dwindled for a time, but now interest in this time-honored art is reviving. Several of Beijing's traditional houses offer a variety of opera activities and performances. Peking opera fans and amateur performers rise early on weekend mornings, eager for the gates of places like the Huguang Music Hall to open.

Inside, they can sip tea, chat with fellow opera lovers and listen to their favorite arias. If they are so inclined, they can step onto stage and sing themselves. At the other end of the theater spectrum is the newly-built Chang'an Theater, designed especially for opera. The modern high-tech building, with seating for 800, is a major venue for performances of the great classics and the best in new operas, as well as the important Peking opera competition.

It's a stage which is a showcase for the greatest of actors, and the brightest of young stars of our time. Peking opera is often considered the purview of the senior citizens, but more and more young people are rediscovering the wonder of their country's traditional art. Some, enchanted by theatrical magic, go to one of the studios that offer Peking opera photo services. With expertly-applied makeup, an instant opera star appears.

A truly great art will always withstand the test of time, and the Peking opera is passing this test with an excellent score.

This Xue Jung of Beijing TV for CNN WORLD REPORT.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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