Facing up to adversity

Today, with the rise of movies, the internet, pop music and other forms of entertainment, traditional Sichuan Opera is facing unprecedented challenges, where a shortage of talent and a lack of funding pose the biggest challenge.

Shen Tiemei, dean of the theater, said in an interview with Chongqing Morning Post that the group of newly recruited students this year will bring new passion and motivation to the opera.

"We want to change the status quo in Sichuan Opera, and take it to the countryside. While we carry out cultural poverty alleviation policies, we can also discover more Sichuan Opera talent out there," she said.