Opera experienced a “golden age” in China in the 17 years following the founding of the People’s Republic. However, today it has fallen by the wayside as a form too highbrow for generations raised on pop stars.
But the National Center for Performing Arts still sees hope. Last month, the center announced it would hold its first opera festival with 13 pieces from home and abroad between April and July. But the key to its revival may be a international Chinese opera star.