A Liuqin Opera performance entitled The Round Moon, which focuses on rural environmental protection, was staged at the Liuqin Opera Heritage and Protection Center in Linyi, East China's Shandong province on April 18.

Liuqin Opera, also known as "Lahun Tune" in Chinese, has been an integral part of Linyi's culture for more than 200 years. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage on May 20, 2006.

The traditional art form originated during the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and was popular in Jiangsu, Shandong, Anhui and Henan provinces.

"Like other local operas, Liuqin Opera uses the local languages and depicts everyday life, giving it a more down-to-earth appeal", said Liu Guihong, a Liuqin Opera performer and deputy director of the Liuqin Opera Heritage and Protection Center in Linyi.

It is accompanied by a flute, erhu (a bowed two-stringed instrument), suona horn (a double-reed horn), sheng (a kind of reed instrument) and bang drum.

According to Liu, the opera has begun incorporating both traditional and modern elements and often features Linyi folk songs.

Founded in 1953, the Liuqin Opera Heritage and Protection Center has worked to promote the traditional art form by staging more than 300 works. However, there is a still a pressing need for more qualified performers.

"At present, there is not only a shortage of Liuqin Opera actors, but also teachers," said Sun Qinzhong, deputy director of the Liuqin Opera Heritage and Protection Center in Linyi.

Sun called on officials to focus on training more opera talents and promoting the construction of art colleges and universities.

"It usually takes eight to 10 years to develop a strong talent, and training must begin in early childhood," he said.

To this end, the center will strive to cultivate interest in Liuqin Opera by bringing excellent a number of performances to primary schools.

A Liuqin Opera performance entitled The Round Moon, which focuses on rural environmental protection, is staged at the Liuqin Opera Heritage and Protection Center in Linyi, East China's Shandong province on April 18. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Actors prepare for a performance of The Round Moon. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

An actor carries a rooster and basket on stage while performing Liuqin Opera. [Photo/Chinanews.com]