The number of unique traditional Chinese opera styles had decreased to 286 from the 368 in 1959, with three disappearing
every two years on average. Altogether, 74opera styles had only one troupe left, and most were at were at risk of fading away.
The public called attention to the struggles of traditional operas in China.
Xie Boliang, a professor at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, said it is well known that people should be held
accountable for soil erosion, but why do we feel at ease when traditional operas fade away?
Overwhelmed by modern culture and entertainment such as movies, TV programs and popmusic, traditional Chinese operas
have been severely marginalized.Despite being included onthe state-level Intangible Cultural Heritage list, some operas still
have no place to perform.
Because of the market slump and low salaries, more traditional Chinese opera practitioners are finding other work, as are
many directors and playwrights. Sun Jiazheng, chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, said traditional
operas are important carriers of Chinese culture, and should be preserved.
The State Council issued a circular in July calling for the promotion and protection of Chinese traditional operas, saying that it
would allocate financial support and extend preferential policiesto opera troupes and schools.