Speech in Chinese opera is important as well. Although modernisation in the terms of box-type stages and professional lighting is gradually being introduced, these new features are not allowed to violate the traditional core of opera, even if props now include firearms. As China turns capitalist and embraces the way of the West, fewer people attend the opera, preferring the comfort of television and VCRs. However, the Beijing Opera School, which was founded in 1952, keeps the traditions alive by offering classes in operas. Sun Yu Min and Zhang Xue Jin, two of Chinese opera s stars were trained here as were a few Westerners, such as Stuart Kingson, who have embraced the Chinese opera culture.
Students learn acrobatics, voice training, make-up and customs.
Ministry of Education provides seven years of intensive professional training to cultivate young opera stars. The new avante garde group, the Ya Yin Ensemble led by Kuao Hsiao-Chung, a younger generation opera star, is also responsible for the moving Chinese opera along with the times with the writing of new librettos and the incorporation of Western theatrical concepts. Director Wu Hsing-kuo has also pulled off a coup of sorts by translating Shakespeare s Macbeth into a Beijing opera. Main 1999-2001 eGenting.