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It's the time of the Spring Festival in a township in Central China's Hubei Province
. Despite the freezing cold, hundreds of farmers
gather in front of an open-air makeshift stage, some even sitting on trees and
on walls for a clear view. Their faces flushed, they break into rapturous
applause intermittently.
Two actors with the Huangpi Youth Chuju Opera Troupe put on their make up as
an actress is all set for the stage.
They are watching a Chuju Opera performance. The Huangpi Youth Chuju
Opera Troupe receives the same welcome wherever it goes in the rural areas of
Hubei.
Chuju Opera is the only operatic tradition in this province. Based on folk
stories and farmers' lives, most are satirical comedies.
Established in 1984, the self-financing troupe has won
over the local farmers. It goes by the more popular name, "Troupe of Couples"
given by fans who found that most of the singers were couples.
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