Preserving a unique performance style in Jiangxi

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A combination of dialogue, music and song, Ganzhou drama is an integral part of local people's lives. (cntv)

Some of those students may well be professional performers in the future, and possibly in a Ganzhou drama. The art form originated in Jiangxi Province in East China over 400 years ago. A combination of dialogue, music and song, Ganzhou drama is an integral part of local people's lives.

This show is a modern interpretation of Ganzhou drama. The piece tells the story of aspiring young people joining the Red Army during the Revolution.

The show is not only a one-off event for people living here. It is deeply woven into their lives. Often performed at weddings, funerals and on traditional holidays, Ganzhou drama was classified as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. In fact there were more than 1000 plays written in this style before the 1950s.

Nie Ruiwei, Director, Ganzhou Cultural Center, said, "Ganzhou drama reached its peak of popularity during the Qing Dynasty, with shows staged here almost daily. Now we only see it mostly on traditional holidays, and not usually performed by full -time performers. "

Luckily locals are now performing for tourists to keep the tradition going. They hope that this effort, coupled with modern adaptations on bigger stages, will keep Ganzhou drama alive for generations to come.

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