Source: CCTV.com

05-05-2007 15:31

Kunqu opera is considered one of the most elegant art forms of traditional Chinese culture. In the face of stiff competition from modern entertainment, it still boasts a small yet stable share of the market. Making "The List" today, is Wang Zhenyi, an opera artist from the Northern Kunqu Theater. The 33-year-old is becoming a big name amongst traditional opera fans as he is able to bring joy and sorrow with his talented performance.

Wang Zhenyi has been performing Kunqu since he was 11, and his years of experience have given him a deep understanding of the art.

Wang said, "Now it's more difficult to become a successful stage performer. In the old days, an actor only needed to care about his performance, but now he needs to pay attention to the market as well."

On stage, Wang gives an authentic feel to the young scholars and warriors he plays. His crystal-clear voice can transport audiences back to a time of legends.

"I've created many characters, some of which I understood, and some of which I wasn't so sure about. Some I did well, touching the audience without even realizing. But I still need to improve my ability to control the nature of my characters," said Wang Zhenyi.

Cai Yaoxian, a well-known Kunqu artist and delegate to the National People's Congress, is Wang Zhenyi's teacher. Her support is Wang's inspiration.

Cai said, "I began coaching Zhenyi in the early 1990s. His appearance and character are fitting for stage performance. I think that old artists should help younger performers, so I gave him some lessons in stage craft."