The traditional Chinese Yue Opera is the midst of a revival. Originating in the south of China, the popular opera style is seeking to widen its appeal among younger audiences. Shanghai got a taste of that last night as the old classic "Phoenix Hairpin" was given a modern makeover.

Old classic Yue opera gets modern makeover

Shanghai's Yifu theater was packed last night for the classic Yue opera play "Phoenix Hairpin". Set in the Song Dynasty, famous poet Lu You divorces his loving wife Tang Wan because of his mother's strong disapproval. In response, Lu writes the poem Phoenix Hairpin to show his love for Tang. Li Min who plays Tang in the show has been a Yue opera performer for more than 30 years.

"Drawing from my experience and feedback from spectators, I would say traditional, well-known plays that are adapted a little are most welcomed by the audience," said Yue opera performer Li Min.

Yue opera is one of more than 300 opera genres in China. Within the industry there has been long-standing concerns that the artforms will gradually vanish as young people look to other forms of entertainment. However, the "Phoenix Hairpin" production company has found that young people are interested if you give them something new and different. When promoting a classic play, the general manager says new sets, music, dance, makeup and costumes are important in attracting a young audience.

"We create a memorable theme song for each play and let the song permeate through the whole show. Take this show for example, the poem Phoenix Hairpin is well-known, so we composed a song about this poem and it is sung throughout the show. This is unprecedented in opera performances," said Qiu Jianping, General Manager of Shaoxing Grand Theater Performance Company.

One fan came from Taizhou in Zhejiang Province to see the show, especially lead performer Li Min, and says new media plays an important role in reviving Yue opera among young people.

"I became a fan in 2013, when I saw Li Min for the first time. I will keep watching Yue opera as long as she's performing. I now know quite a few Yue opera fans. A new media presence is critical as we search for performance information on Wechat and Weibo," said Yue opera fan Chen Yingzhu.

Phoenix Hairpin" has toured the country, stopping in 46 cities in 130 days before arriving in Shanghai for its last stop.

Throughout the tour we have offered student discounts and even created a Wechat account to attract young fans. The number of people in their 20s and 30s make up about 40 percent of the total audience. If all of China's traditional operas could attract this many young people, they would have a bright future.

The China National Art Foundation funded the tour and Qiu says there are already starting to plan next year's performance.