Ganju Opera's enduring legacy passes on

Such a course, Wang said he believes, enhances everyone's understanding and love for traditional culture and raises societal awareness of it.

Chen said that many universities offer cultural arts courses, "but they often just cover textbook knowledge without showcasing traditional culture in an engaging way."

"I think it's time to change. For example, when teaching The Peony Pavilion, the drama masterpiece written by Tang Xianzu in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), I start by discussing the background of the character Du Liniang, her occupation, and attire, then teach students to perform her classic movements in the drama."

"I believe I've found a way for students to recognize, accept, and love traditional opera," Chen said.

Chen has also been working to introduce Ganju Opera to the world stage. In 2009, she brought it to Europe, starring in The Injustice to Dou E in Paris to great acclaim.

"When the performance ended, the French audience applauded for over 10 minutes. As a Chinese opera performer, I felt so proud," Chen said.

Chen said that Jiangxi Opera performances could promote cultural exchanges between China and other countries. "So far, the Ganju Opera Theater of Jiangxi province has created many performances for international guests, aiming to introduce Jiangxi and better tell China's stories on the global stage," she said.