Publicly De-Funded Opera Troupe Tours Rural China

The Tapei Times reports that since policy changes in 2005, the formerly publicly funded Jin Opera is still touring, but is no longer the type of job to that offers financial and professional security.

The Tapei Times writes "However, since they were stripped of their public status, some performers have started driving pedicabs between shows for supplementary income.

Even the most senior members of the troupe make less than 2,500 yuan (US$363) a month, while the average actor makes closer to 1,500 yuan (US$217) in a district where the minimum monthly wage is 1,590 yuan (US$231).

Over the 23 years that Liu, 36, has been with the group, he has seen his cohort shrink, but a sense of loyalty has kept him from leaving."

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Jin Opera is one of the four Bangzi operas in Shanxi Province. Bangzi opera is a group of operas generally distinguished by their use of wooden clappers for rhythm and by a more energetic singing style.

"Jin" is the shortened form for "Shanxi." Because it originated in the central area of Shanxi, it is also called Zhonglu (literally Central) Bangzi, now popular in the central and northern areas of Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia and Hebei provinces.

Photo: Cultural China