Bring Peking opera reform on the track

it's too old fashioned, slow paced, so far away from younger generations, etc. Therefore revolutionary changes, major overhauls in Peking opera are necessary or this traditional performing art will disappear soon.

I have had the privilege to watch dozens of the so called new or modern Peking opera shows. In my humble opinion, the new ones should not be classified as Peking opera because they no longer have the essential elements that make this traditional performing art outstanding. Newly added renovations are mostly fancy set decorations, intrusive lighting, colorful but awkward costumes and modern make up techniques. Worst of all, some new shows have adapted western acting techniques, using present-day dialogue, applied multi-media tricks, etc. The new changes are not helpful at all. Needless to say, most of the new scripts have left a lot to be desired.

Abstract and symbolic artistic performing techniques have made traditional performance charming, seductive and unforgettable. A few sophisticated hand gestures may overcome the time and space barriers bringing us to another level of artistic implication.

In the 1930s prestigious American playwright Thornton Wilder watched Mei Lanfang's Peking opera performance in New York City. He was immensely moved and inspired by Mei. A few years later Mr. Wilder wrote Our Town. It's his most well-known masterpiece. The story goes on in an almost empty stage with lots of symbolic acting.

Like any art, Peking opera requires continual innovative improvements or revolutionary ideas to keep its vitality and excellence. Lack of good quality performances and diminishing audiences are major problems. Anxious theater managers are under heavy pressure. Brutally or randomly altering the authentic performing art will not bring more audiences to the theater. We need more quality Peking opera performers, staging more good traditional plays. We need to urge more young audiences to acquire a taste for traditional performing art. Then we may begin to think about how to improve it.