A time to dream

Qian, who is a disciple of Xu, is also a female singer for young male characters, or xiaosheng.

Yue Opera, the second most popular folk opera in China, has the rare distinction of having an all-female cast.

As for the pioneers of Yue Opera, the early days were very difficult.

Xu, who was born in 1921 in Xindeng, in Zhejiang province, began her opera career by playing young male characters in Shanghai in 1933. But she soon gained fame for playing the roles of scholars, nobles and princes.

Her voice was strong and powerful, and she had a unique performance style.

But, at that time, in order to play male characters, the actresses playing the roles had to cover their chests properly so as to not exhibit any feminine features. And they also had to wear padded undergarments and thick shoes in order to simulate the male look.

Speaking about the obstacles faced by actors even today, Qian says: "When you have to put on elaborate costumes, perform difficult dance movements and also sing, it can be challenging."

Besides, as the stage is lit with high-voltage lights, the actresses are often soaked in sweat during the shows.

Qian, 54, has won many national awards for theater art such as the Plum Blossom Prize and Splendor Award.

Over the years, generations of Yue Opera artists have presented A Dream of the Red Mansions. And Wang Yueyang says: "They have developed the performance and singing styles of Wang (Wenjuan) and Xu (Yulan) into a distinctive school of Yue Opera."

"Each generation of artists has added its understanding to the school, and has kept bringing in new audiences," he says.

During the upcoming tour, Qian will play the role of Jia Baoyu, one of the major characters, alongside four other actresses, the youngest among whom is Wang Wanna, born in 1994.

Qian says Wang Wanna is "our rising star". She was 13 when she began to study the opera.

Speaking about her performance, Wang Wanna says: "I still have a long way to go. It takes decades before you are able to grasp the essence of the Xu-Wang school."