Draw of the South

Shao Tianshuai, a star with the Northern Kunqu Opera Theater, is known for her performances of The Peony Pavilion and A Dream of the Red Mansions. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"However, what excites us is that Kunqu is now drawing more young people. We hold a variety of activities on campuses across China every year to help students embrace this old art form."

The theater is making efforts to cultivate young performers to pass on the tradition and get close to the youth.

Shao Tianshuai is a rising star, who will perform a major role in A Dream of the Red Mansions at the upcoming festival.

The award-winning actress, who was born and raised in Harbin in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, started to learn the art form at the Northern Kunqu Opera Theater in 2001.

"I knew nothing about Kunqu then. But my parents considered it a great opportunity so I came to Beijing," recalls the 32-year-old.

"It was very hard in the beginning, especially the physical training and the singing techniques. But I fell in love with Kunqu Opera."